Young leaders, health professionals, and community advocates across Nigeria have issued a clear call to international health leaders: build a healthcare system that actively includes youth in decision-making today, rather than treating them as passive observers for tomorrow.
Speaking at the United Nations building in Abuja during a national youth consultation, Dr. Muhammad Jafar, a medical doctor with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, set an urgent tone for the gathering.
“We want a health system that listens to young people now, not later,” Dr. Jafar declared.
The landmark event brought together 230 participants from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Attendees represented youth-led organizations, early-career medical workers, students, tech innovators, out-of-school adolescents, persons with disabilities, and representatives from internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Their collective insights will directly inform the World Health Organization (WHO) African Regional Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and Vision 2035.
Amplifying Marginalized Voices in Healthcare
Africa holds the title of the world’s youngest continent, with over 60% of its population under the age of 25. In Nigeria, nearly 70% of citizens are under 35. Organizers stressed that healthcare planning must reflect these demographics by addressing systemic barriers to universal health coverage, emergency response, and disability inclusion.
Participants highlighted grassroots challenges that raw health data often overlooks. Hellen Beyioku Alase of the Deaf Women Aloud Initiative emphasized that communication barriers remain a primary obstacle for young Deaf Nigerians, citing a critical shortage of sign language interpretation and accessible health information.
Environmental crises were also front and center. Adama Ali, a young woman living in an IDP camp, shared how recent severe flooding shattered local healthcare delivery.
“My experience reinforced the importance of resilient health systems that continue serving communities during emergencies,” Ali said, expressing hope for a future where young women can remain educated, healthy, and safe despite climate disruptions.
Moving Beyond Observation to Leadership
Frontline medical workers urged policymakers to recognize young healthcare personnel as partners in health sector reform. Omoboriowo Damilola Isaac, a young healthcare provider at the forum, appealed directly to leaders:
“Involve us in decision-making, invest in our ideas, and empower us to lead lasting change.”
Government officials and international delegates acknowledged the vital role of youth in achieving universal health coverage. Dr. Pavel Ursu, the WHO Representative in Nigeria (represented by Officer-in-Charge Dr. Alex Chimbaru), reaffirmed that youth are essential partners for health security.
“Youth perspectives are indispensable to achieving WHO’s vision of a healthier Africa and to advancing national priorities towards Universal Health Coverage, health security, and resilient health systems,” Dr. Ursu stated.
This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, UN Resident Coordinator (represented by Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef), and the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande (represented by Essien Emmanuel), both of whom urged participants to stay engaged as innovators driving Africa’s health transformation.
Key Recommendations for the Regional Health Agenda
Jointly organized by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Youth Development, and the WHO, the consultation yielded actionable policy proposals. Participants outlined concrete priority areas for regional implementation:
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Mental and Reproductive Health: Urgent expansion of integrated mental health services and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health information.
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Inclusive Infrastructure: Accessible facilities, clear communication tools, and specialized support for persons with disabilities.
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Digital Health Innovation: Direct funding and scaling for healthtech tools created by young African developers.
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Workforce Development: Expanded training, mentorship, and continuous employment opportunities for early-career medical professionals.
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Climate Resilience: Upgraded health facilities built to withstand climate emergencies and natural disasters.
A Roadmap for 2026 and Beyond
Participants widely praised the initiative for providing a rare platform where marginalized groups could voice real-world priorities directly to international decision-makers.
“When young people are given a seat at the table, they help protect the future of health, not just shape it,” noted Abdulazeez Ameerah Eleojo, a youth participant at the forum.
The policy recommendations gathered in Abuja will feed into broader regional strategy sessions ahead of the WHO Regional Committee meeting in 2026. Officials noted that turning these goals into reality will require ongoing collaboration between African governments, international organizations, civil society, and youth leaders.
Closing the session, Yusuf Abdullahi, a youth representative from Gombe State, delivered a final message to policymakers across the continent.
“A plan for young people without young people is a plan about young people, not a plan with young people,” Abdullahi urged.
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