WHO wants young people to shape Africa's health plans by 2035

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked young people to take a bigger role in shaping health policies in Africa. They believe that youth contributions are key to building a better health system for the continent.

This call was made on Monday during the Youth Consultative Forum on the WHO African Regional Strategic Plan 2026, 2030 and Vision 2035. The event took place at the United Nations Conference Room in Abuja.

The forum gathered government officials, UN agencies, civil society groups, youth organizations, and development partners. They aimed to collect ideas from young people for the WHO African Regional Strategic Plan 2026, 2030 and Vision 2035.

At the event, WHO Representative in Nigeria, Pavel Ursu, said this consultation shows the organisation's promise to ensure young people are not just beneficiaries of health programs but also active partners in shaping Africa’s health future.

Mr Ursu pointed out that Africa has the youngest population in the world, with over 60 percent of its people under 25. He called this trend a big chance to boost health and economic results if young people get involved in decision-making.

“In Nigeria, where over 60 percent of the population is under the age of 30, young people represent one of the country’s greatest assets and a powerful force for change,” he said.

He added that the recommendations from this forum would help guide the WHO African Regional Strategic Plan 2026, 2030 and Vision 2035. This plan aims to create a healthier, more self-sufficient Africa.

Mr Ursu explained that the strategy aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, universal health coverage, pandemic readiness, climate-resilient health systems, and sustainable health financing.

Tackling Africa’s health problems

Mr Ursu said this strategy is important now as African countries face diseases, health emergencies, climate-related health risks, and ongoing inequalities in healthcare access.

He also mentioned that advancements in technology, innovation, and youth leadership offer new chances to improve health systems in Africa.

He encouraged participants to share their ideas on health promotion, universal health coverage, mental health, digital health, climate change, health security, and other issues affecting young people's well-being.

“We are particularly interested in your perspectives because every voice matters in building a healthier Africa,” he said.

UN supports youth involvement

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, also spoke at the event. He said that young people's involvement is crucial for achieving lasting health outcomes.

He praised WHO for including young people in developing its new regional strategy. He described young people as partners, innovators, and leaders, not just passive recipients of services.

“The principle is simple: Nothing about young people without young people.”

He pointed out that African countries are dealing with fast population growth, climate change, disease outbreaks, urbanization, rising non-communicable diseases, and challenges in health financing and workforce development.

Despite these problems, he noted that young Africans are leading in innovation, entrepreneurship, digital growth, and community involvement at an impressive level.

Mr Fall said the United Nations is committed to supporting Nigeria and other African nations in improving health systems, providing access to quality healthcare, and moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals.

He urged participants to suggest ideas on universal health coverage, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, climate resilience, pandemic readiness, digital health, equity, and health workforce development.

“The future of health in Africa will not be determined solely in boardrooms or policy documents. It will be shaped by the ideas, leadership and actions of young people like you,” he said.