Young Africans are stepping up to combat neglected tropical diseases, as highlighted at a recent summit in Addis Ababa. The event emphasized the need for youth involvement in public health initiatives. Experts urged combining youth action with policy support for lasting impact.
The third Annual Public Health Students Summit, organized by the African Public Health Students Network Initiative (AfricaPHSN), took place at the Africa CDC headquarters in Addis Ababa. This gathering showcased youth-driven efforts against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which persist in rural villages and urban slums across Africa, where youth comprise 70 percent of the population under 30.
A key highlight was a fireside chat on Youth Action Against NTDs. Caesar Kogoziga, a youth champion with Africa CDC and expert on resilience and health systems, stressed that water scarcity and food insecurity fuel NTD transmission. He called for young people and policymakers to “combine forces” to sustain water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs beyond initial enthusiasm.
Vivian Joseph, a Tanzanian youth champion with Youth Combating NTDs (YCNTDs) and health education specialist, demonstrated innovative approaches. She uses street theatre, TikTok, and WhatsApp to disseminate relatable health messages and has led community WASH campaigns, proving youth engagement as a vital prevention strategy.
The summit underscored the importance of grounding interventions in data, such as mapping disease burdens and conducting Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) surveys. Participants advocated for NTD clubs in schools and communities to foster awareness, prevention, and advocacy.
However, challenges remain, including limited funding and recognition for youth-led projects. Dr. Nanati Jemal Aliye, an Ethiopian youth champion with YCNTDs, called for governments and global partners to institutionalize youth leadership through seats on national NTD steering committees, dedicated budgets, small-grant facilities, and integration of youth data into health systems.
YCNTDs has mobilized governments to sign the Kigali Declaration on NTDs and leverage the 21st replenishment of the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA21) for financing. The summit concluded with the launch of the Community of Practice on Youth and CSO Engagement in Health Security, offering a platform to align youth innovations with national and continental agendas.
Leaders must move beyond rhetoric by trusting, funding, and integrating youth into strategies to make progress systemic.