Unveiling the Essence: Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference Chronicles
The Youth Pre-Conference is a strategic initiative organized by Africa CDC to provide a dedicated platform for young individuals to actively participate in shaping the future of public health in Africa. It serves as a forum for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and empowerment of the youth, recognizing their vital role in advancing health security across the continent. Young people are instrumental in promoting the new public health paradigm in Africa, focusing on the 5 Cs: Community, Connectivity, Capacity, Collaboration and Climate buttressing HE Dr Jean Kaseya’s vision for the Africa CDC
Building on the success of the inaugural Youth Pre-Conference, Africa CDC convened the 2nd Youth Pre-Conference in Lusaka from November 25th to 26th, 2023.
The theme for this edition was “Youth Leadership for a Safer and Healthier Africa.” This theme strategically built upon the foundation laid by the first pre-conference, which focused on “Meaningful youth engagement for advancing sustainable health security in Africa.”
While the inaugural theme emphasized the crucial role of youth engagement in health security, the subsequent theme took a step further by spotlighting “Youth Leadership.” It underscored the evolution of the youth’s role from engagement contributors to proactive leaders, emphasizing their capacity not only to engage but also to lead initiatives promoting safety and health across the continent.
The progression from “Meaningful youth engagement” to “Youth Leadership” signified a shift towards empowering and entrusting the youth with leadership responsibilities. It reflected a deeper commitment to integrating young leaders into shaping the health landscape, reinforcing their pivotal role in driving positive change and contributing to a safer and healthier Africa. This thematic evolution demonstrated the continuous efforts of Africa CDC to harness and amplify the potential of Africa’s youth in steering the continent towards enhanced health security and well-being.
Setting the Stage: Lusaka’s Vibrant Backdrop
The Africa CDC unfolded its vibrant conference in the enchanting city of Lusaka, Zambia, strategically known for its allure with the iconic Victoria Falls and the majestic presence of the big five wildlife. As I journeyed on Ethiopian Air, the anticipation of the adventures awaiting me in the realm of public health during the upcoming two action-packed days was palpable.
The Local Welcome: A Symphony of Aromas
Stepping into Zambia, the rich aroma of Munkoyo, a popular local drink, welcomed me, setting the stage for the immersive experience that lay ahead. The pre-event Twitter Spaces sessions, focusing on topics like public health leadership, awareness, and mental health, attracted over 3000 young participants virtually, creating an air of anticipation to finally meet these engaged individuals in person.
Overview of the Sessions.
The 2nd Youth Pre-Conference unfolded as a dynamic symphony, orchestrating a harmonious blend of reflection, strategy, exchange, networking, and bridging gaps. The opening and closing sessions served as the grand overture, framing the narrative of youth empowerment in public health. Expertly curated plenary statements and panel discussions painted a vivid canvas, providing a panoramic view of the challenges and opportunities that define the current state of public health in Africa.
Workshops acted as the crescendo, allowing participants to immerse themselves in real-world problem-solving, strategically defining the role of young minds in pioneering innovative solutions.
As the tempo rose, targeted parallel sessions delved into the intricacies, carving out specialized spaces for discussions that ranged from youth leadership strategies to institutionalizing their engagement.
Special events, akin to captivating interludes, introduced a cultural dance of ideas at the gallery walk, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of youth-driven health projects. The crescendo found its peak at the cultural dinner, where the rhythm of networking echoed through conversations between seasoned public health figures and the spirited energy of young advocates.
This Youth Pre-Conference was not merely an event; it was a symphony of voices, an orchestration of ideas, and a crescendo of collaboration that resonated with the promise of a healthier, empowered Africa led by its dynamic youth.
Session Details I Opening Ceremony
The inaugural day of the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference commenced with an impactful opening ceremony, signaling a call to action and setting the stage for the conference’s objectives. Dr. Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Africa CDC’s Acting Deputy Director General, welcomed delegates and commemorated the late Bingwa Humphrey Okilipa Onyara. The Director General, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, highlighted the presence of esteemed guests, including First Ladies, underlining the pivotal role of youth ideas in shaping Africa’s health trajectory. The opening emphasized the Youth Pre-Conference as a call to action for young Africans to architect the continent’s health future, showcasing Africa CDC’s commitment to meaningful youth leadership.
The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema, encouraged youth to leverage the conference for positive change, particularly in sexual reproductive health. A powerful keynote speech by H.E. Mrs. Monica Geingos, First Lady of Namibia, stressed the political nature of health and urged youth to be politically savvy, differentiating between seeking power and having a responsible plan. Dr. Ahmed Ogwell Ouma’s closing reflections reiterated Africa CDC’s commitment to recognizing youth’s role in public health, urging active participation for impactful outcomes. The opening ceremony infused the Youth Pre-Conference with inspiration, reflection, and a resounding call for youth leadership in Africa’s health journey.
Tea Conversation
Mr. Ibraheem Sanusi, our dynamic moderator, heralded a session within the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference that unfolded with a vibrancy promising to illuminate the conference’s path. The esteemed speakers, including Dr. Chrys Promesse Kaniki, Ms. Shingai Machingaidze, Dr. Mazyanga Mazaba Liwewe, and Hon. Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth of Nigeria, collectively unveiled a narrative of youth empowerment and innovation.
In this session, key highlights emerged, such as Nigeria’s groundbreaking commitment to establishing a Youth Advisory Team for Health, echoing a resounding call to action. The triumphs of youth contributions in shaping Africa CDC’s strategies became apparent, underscoring the vital role of young minds in driving transformative change. As discussions traversed themes of intergenerational mentorship, youth-led initiatives, and the intricate fusion of economic and health systems, the session not only informed but also ignited a collective passion for meaningful youth engagement.Mr. Ibraheem Sanusi expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing how this session elevated the conference by infusing it with the energy, insights, and actionable strategies needed to propel Africa into a future led by its dynamic and visionary youth. The stage was set for inspiration, information, and a renewed commitment to catalyzing positive change.
Health Breaks and Competitions
The sessions took an intriguing turn with interlude sessions featuring a Kahoot quiz on Public Health in Africa, skillfully moderated by Ms. Huong Le and Ms. Metasebiya Ayele Mamo from GIZ African Union.
To infuse an interactive and dynamic spirit, the session introduced a Kahoot quiz, transforming the virtual space into a hub of enthusiastic participation. Delivered through an engaging online interface, the quiz presented multiple-choice questions, thoughtfully crafted to both test and expand the audience’s knowledge about the African Union and Africa CDC. Beyond being informative, the quiz adopted an entertaining format, turning the learning experience into a spirited competition. Real-time responses heightened the excitement, fostering a friendly contest among participants. This innovative approach to audience engagement garnered a positive reaction, proving to be an enjoyable and enlightening interlude.
Youth Leadership Session
In the Youth Leadership session moderated by Ms. Sharon Koki from Y-ACT Kenya, speakers including Ms. Hiwot Girma, Ms. Awa Niasse, Ms. Rebecca Kausa, and Mr. Indeje Andrew Innocent provided a vibrant platform for young leaders to share successful experiences in youth-led policy advocacy, particularly addressing global health challenges.
Highlights from the panel discussion included Ms. Hiwot Girma showcasing AMREF Ethiopia’s integrated youth leadership initiatives, Mr. Indeje Andrew Innocent discussing grassroots movements in Kenyan counties, Ms. Rebecca Kausa emphasizing youth involvement in tobacco control linked to climate change, and Ms. Awa Niasse contributing in French about the potential of youth leadership in Africa.
Ms. Sharon Koki’s critical question about cross-sectoral impacts prompted varied responses, from advocating for youth involvement from project inception to strategic use of social media. The audience actively engaged, posing questions about supporting youth-led initiatives, addressing tobacco industry narratives, ensuring sustainability in youth engagement, and fostering effective intergenerational collaborations.
In closing remarks, Mrs. Bitanya Lulu Berhanu, Y-ACT’s Program Director, aligned with the New Public Health order’s 5 C’s, emphasizing alliances, quick wins, intergenerational conversations, integrated approaches, multisectoral partnerships, and the adoption of the AMREF Meaningful Youth Engagement model in Kenya.
Parallel Sessions
Breaking in 5 parallel sessions that offered focused discussions on 5 thematic areas ; Youth in Digital Health, Climate-Health Nexus, Domestic Manufacturing, Adolescent and Youth Reproductive Health Rights and Mental Health allowed in depth exploration of innovative solutions, youth leadership strategies, and institutionalizing youth engagement in public health
Climate-Health Nexus Session
As a panelist on this session, I delved into the critical intersection of climate change and health, emphasizing the significant opportunities for young people to actively engage in this crucial nexus. I underscored the undeniable impact of climate change on global health, highlighting the increasing frequency of climate-related health emergencies, such as extreme weather events and the spread of infectious diseases. By harnessing the energy, creativity, and digital literacy of the youth, we can drive initiatives that promote climate resilience, health equity, and a holistic approach to public well-being. Young people can and should be at the forefront of shaping a healthier and more sustainable future by actively participating in climate and health discourse and driving tangible, positive change.
Youth Health Workforce Development
The second day of the conference commenced with a panel on “Youth Health Workforce Development for a Resilient Ecosystem.” Moderated by Mr. Ouma Onyango, the session aimed to explore challenges and opportunities in building interest in public health professions. Key discussions included incentivizing youth engagement, addressing entry barriers, and the role of partnerships, technology, and policy support. The panel, featuring Ms. Barbara Ngouyombo, Mr. Efosa Obano, and Dr. Shakira Choonara, emphasized the need to harness Africa’s young population for medical manufacturing and digital health opportunities, ensuring inclusive growth.
Consultation on Africa CDC Youth Strategy
Led by Dr. Chrys Promesse Kaniki, the session introduced the Africa CDC Youth Strategy, a result of collaborative efforts. Participants engaged in consultation, focusing on pillars like strong institutions, youth engagement, expanding vaccine manufacturing, public health workforce investment, and domestic health investment. The strategy aims to embed youth engagement into Africa CDC’s decision-making framework, recognizing the youth as key drivers for positive change in health and wellbeing.
AU Bingwa Initiative and Case Competition
The session highlighted the AU Bingwa Initiative’s evolution, aligning with youth perspectives. Dr. Kaniki provided insights, and attendees, organized into groups, engaged in a case competition. Each group, facilitated by Dr. Yodit Kifle and Ms. Metasebiya Ayele, developed a 90-minute action plan addressing challenges identified in the conference, contributing to refining the Bingwa initiative. Themes included antimicrobial resistance, digital health literacy, climate-health nexus, mental health advocacy, and local medical manufacturing. The consultation on the Africa CDC Youth Strategy and the AU Bingwa Initiative showcased concrete steps towards integrating youth perspectives for a resilient health ecosystem in Africa.
Reflecting on the Journey:
The YPC illuminated the path for personal growth and a deeper understanding of public health challenges. It reinforced the idea that the youth are not just beneficiaries but indispensable architects of change.
Recommendations for Next YPC:
Amplify Virtual Engagement: Harness the power of virtual spaces for connecting and fostering collaborations.
Diversify Perspectives: Ensure diverse voices are heard, representing multifaceted challenges and solutions.
Interactive Workshops: Integrate hands-on workshops empowering youth with practical skills.
Global Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with global organizations for broader impact.
Conclusion
This dynamic and insightful two-day event, meticulously prepared over a year, including engaging pre-conference activities like Twitter Spaces, owes its success to meticulous strategic leadership and planning. The pre-conference drew over 3000 participants and was made possible by the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team and supportive partners like the Mastercard Foundation, GIZ African Union, and the National Public Health Institute Zambia. With an impressive lineup of moderators, speakers, and panelists, along with a diverse community of over 250 physically present and 3,000 virtual attendees from across the continent, the Youth Pre-Conference (YPC) was a resounding success.
A special acknowledgment goes to the committed YPC Team Lead, Dr. Promesse Kaniki, whose strategic guidance played a pivotal role in the entire preparation.
As we wrap up this chapter, it’s worth noting the anticipation for the next episode of the YPC, with hints suggesting it might take place in Morocco. Stay tuned for more exciting developments, and here’s to hoping for increased support from additional partners for future YPC editions!
Written by Dr.Muhumuza Umar 22nd December, 2023 u.muhumuza85@gmail.com
