Positioning Youth at the Centre of Africa’s Health Future
The Youth & Health Event is a dedicated youth gathering designed to move beyond symbolic participation and translate youth voice into youth power through evidence-informed, policy-relevant dialogue.
Why this event matters
Young people are not only the largest users of health systems — they are emerging providers, innovators, advocates, and system builders shaping the future of health across the continent.
- Evidence-informed policy dialogue
- Youth-led leadership and accountability
- Breakout sessions with practical outputs
- Insights that feed into the full WHS agenda
A platform built for youth leadership, action, and influence
Anchored in the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 theme, “Reimagining African Health Systems: Innovation, Integration, and Interdependence,” this event convenes young professionals, researchers, students, advocates, and innovators to engage in structured discussions that are practical, forward-looking, and policy-relevant.
- Move beyond symbolic participation to meaningful youth power
- Shape health systems conversations at local, national, and regional levels
- Contribute recommendations that inform the wider Summit
- Connect with peers, institutions, and partners across Africa
A space built for dialogue, action, and connection
Structured Breakout Dialogue
Sessions are designed to generate practical insights and recommendations that can influence decision-making, investment priorities, and accountability mechanisms across health systems.
Interactive Conversations
From keynote moments to life conversations, participants will engage in open, thoughtful exchanges on the ideas shaping the future of health in Africa.
Cross-Continental Connection
Meet fellow students, researchers, practitioners, youth-led organisations, and innovators committed to transforming health systems across the continent and beyond.
Track 1: Youth as Architects of Health System Resilience
Explore how youth leadership can help build resilient, future-ready health systems in the face of demographic change, urbanisation, digital transformation, and shifting disease burdens.
- Digital Health, AI, and Youth-Driven Innovation
- Climate Change, Planetary Health, and Youth Action
- Health Workforce of the Future: Youth at the Centre
Track 2: The Role of Youth in Reimagining Health Systems
Examine the structural, financial, and social dimensions of transformation and how young people can influence priorities, governance, and equitable investment in health systems.
- Health Equity, Gender, and Social Justice
- Financing Health & Investing in Youth
- Conflict, Migration, and Urbanization
Life Conversation
Scroll Smart: What to believe in the Age of AI and Online Influence
Digital platforms now shape how health information is created, shared, and trusted. This interactive session
explores how young advocates, creators, and health professionals can navigate online influence, rebuild
public trust, and advance youth-driven digital health leadership.
A diverse community of young changemakers
What this event will produce
Actionable Policy Insights
Recommendations for strengthening youth participation in health systems governance, delivered directly into Summit-level discussions and decision-making spaces.
New Partnerships
Connections between young leaders, academic institutions, global health organisations, civil society, and development partners that continue beyond the 2026 meeting.
Youth Declaration / Roadmap
A collective output capturing recommendations, commitments, and calls to action from participants for presentation at the World Health Summit Regional Meeting.
Greater Visibility for Youth Leadership
Amplified recognition of youth-led innovation, advocacy, and leadership in health across continental and global platforms.
Event schedule
Speaker: Dr. Khadija Owusu
Moderator: Judah Njoroge
Moderator: Roselyter Riang'a & Fedenica Castellana
Moderator: Willice Onyango and Maureen Gikonyo
Moderator: Noelle Awa
Moderator: Jolly Oyaro and Moses Mwema
- Dr Angela Migowa/ Dr Hope Simiyu
- Grace Murungi Wanjala
- Benson Githaiga
- Nyandia Gachago
- Bright Gameli
- Majeur Maina
- Eunice Tole
- Felix Nyagaka
- Cornelia Mukandie
- Philip Mwaniki
- Wafa Hamdi
- Mercy Kihugi
- Eve Kibaare
- Brian Muchiri
- Wanjiru Mbugua Njui
- Diana Johns Gidah
- Waithaka Nungari
- Victoria Mwelu Njue
Ready to join us?
Secure your place at the Youth & Health Event and be part of the conversation shaping Africa’s health future.
Register Now