Entries open for Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference

Deadline: 13-Sep-2026

The Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference (YPC 2026) brings together young Africans to engage with public health leaders, showcase youth-led solutions, exchange research and ideas, and help shape the continent’s future health security agenda. Serving as the official youth platform for the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026), YPC 2026 provides young Africans with an opportunity to contribute directly to discussions on public health leadership, research, innovation, health systems, and health sovereignty.

About the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026

YPC 2026 builds on previous Youth Pre-Conference editions held in Kigali and Lusaka. The 2026 edition advances the Africa CDC’s Health Security and Sovereignty agenda and supports the YES!Health Strategy for Youth Engagement and Participation in Global Health 2025–2028. The initiative seeks to strengthen youth participation in Africa’s health agenda and contribute to the broader goal of moving the continent from health dependency toward greater ownership, resilience, and self-reliance. What Is the Purpose of YPC 2026? The Youth Pre-Conference is structured as a working platform rather than simply a networking event. Over two days, participating young Africans will have opportunities to: - Exchange ideas and experiences. - Showcase youth-led health solutions. - Present relevant research and innovations. - Build networks with other young health professionals and leaders. - Engage with public health decision-makers. - Develop recommendations for the main CPHIA 2026 conference. The recommendations generated through the Youth Pre-Conference will help inform discussions at the main conference. Key Objectives of the Youth Pre-Conference YPC 2026 has several objectives focused on strengthening youth participation in public health.

The conference aims to:

- Bring young Africans closer to public health decision-making. - Surface African-led ideas and research. - Strengthen the next generation of Africa’s public health workforce. - Translate the YES!Health Strategy into concrete opportunities and institutional commitments. - Support youth leadership in health research, advocacy, innovation, and community engagement. These objectives place young Africans at the centre of conversations about the continent’s health future. Five Thematic Tracks YPC 2026 features five thematic tracks, allowing participants to engage with different aspects of Africa’s public health priorities. Digital Health, Research and Innovation This track focuses on the role of digital technologies, research, and innovation in strengthening public health. It provides space for young Africans to discuss and showcase ideas that can contribute to stronger and more resilient health systems. Building Africa’s Public Health Workforce This track focuses on strengthening the next generation of public health professionals and building the skills and capacity needed to address health challenges across the continent. Youth participation is particularly important in developing a sustainable and capable African health workforce. One Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response This track addresses the interconnected nature of human, animal, and environmental health while emphasizing preparedness and response to health emergencies. It provides an opportunity for young Africans to contribute ideas around stronger systems for managing public health emergencies. Local Manufacturing and Health Sovereignty This theme focuses on Africa’s capacity to strengthen local manufacturing and improve health sovereignty. The track aligns with the broader objective of reducing health dependency and building greater resilience through African-led production and health systems. Youth Leadership on Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV This track provides a platform for young people to engage in leadership and advocacy around sexual and reproductive health and HIV. It recognizes the importance of youth participation in developing effective health policies, services, and community responses. Who Can Apply? YPC 2026 is designed for young Africans who are actively contributing or seeking to contribute to public health and related fields.

Applicants must:

- Be 18 to 35 years old. - Be a citizen of an African Union Member State. - Be enrolled in at least an undergraduate programme or have relevant educational, professional, or community experience in public health or related fields. - Demonstrate leadership potential. - Show commitment to improving health through research, advocacy, innovation, or community engagement. - Be available to participate fully in both YPC 2026 and CPHIA 2026. Educational and Professional Eligibility Applicants can demonstrate their connection to public health through different pathways.

They may be:

- Enrolled in at least an undergraduate programme. - Individuals with relevant educational experience. - Public health professionals. - People with relevant community experience. - Individuals contributing to health through research, advocacy, or innovation. This allows participation from young people whose public health experience comes through education, professional work, or community engagement. Leadership Potential Applicants are expected to demonstrate leadership potential. Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a formal leadership position. Candidates should be able to show how they have contributed to improving health or communities through activities such as: - Research. - Advocacy. - Innovation. - Community engagement. - Health-related initiatives. Applicants should clearly communicate their contributions and explain how they intend to use the YPC platform to expand their impact. Commitment to Public Health YPC 2026 is intended for young Africans who are committed to improving health outcomes and strengthening health systems. Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in areas such as public health research, health advocacy, innovati