Youth leadership is driving Africa’s health future through innovation, advocacy, and active participation in shaping policies and solutions to achieve better health outcomes.

Global partners made this known at the ongoing 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025) on Friday in Durban, South Africa, during a side event co-hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and The Global Fund.

They reaffirmed that Africa’s ambition for universal health coverage (UHC) and stronger health security depends on unlocking the leadership and innovation of its young population.

The side event, themed “YOUNITE for Health: Amplifying Youth Voices for a Fully Replenished Global Fund,” explored how youth-focused initiatives are empowering young people to drive public health innovations across the continent.

Africa CDC has prioritised youth engagement as central to its vision for the New Public Health Order.

Through its YES! health flagship initiatives, the institution has set up structures that position young people as leaders, innovators, and decision-shapers in public health.

Speakers said that with an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of Africa’s population being youth, the continent has a demographic advantage that must be effectively managed to accelerate health development.

Claudia Ahumada, Global Fund secretary, said that Africa’s youth were essential to creating resilient, self-reliant health systems.

Ms Ahumada added that while the Global Fund has significantly reduced the burden of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria in Africa, the gains remain fragile.

She explained the need for a fully replenished Global Fund to sustain momentum, expand access to life-saving interventions, and secure a healthier future for Africa’s young people.

Promesse Kaniki, head of the youth programme at Africa CDC, said youth participation must go beyond tokenism. “Young people are not just beneficiaries; they are partners and champions,” Mr Kaniki said.

Similarly, Laura Lontsi Tsakou of the Global Fund Youth Council stressed that excluding young people from policy dialogues limits progress.

“Policies made without young people are policies against us,” Ms Tsakou said, calling for mentorship and stronger partnerships to build their capacity.

Nicolle Dlamini of Impact Drivers South Africa highlighted the importance of institutional support for youth-led organisations to scale innovations and make a meaningful impact in health delivery.

The session underscored that bringing together Africa CDC’s youth empowerment initiatives and youth advocacy through the YOUNITE Campaign creates a united front that strengthens Africa’s progress toward a healthier, more secure continent.

The key message from the event was clear: Africa’s health future must be co-created with its youth through inclusion, strategic investment, and shared leadership.

(NAN)