The Youth Digital Health Champions (Y-DHC) program, part of the Youth in Digital Health Network (YiDHN) by Africa CDC, identifies and connects emerging young leaders shaping healthcare innovation across Africa. Champions gain visibility, advocacy platforms, policy engagement, and support networks aimed at advancing digital health, policy, and innovation.
Location (country/city)
- Global African focus: Open to applicants from any African Union member state, including the African diaspora.
- Engagements occur across the continent via virtual and in-person events (e.g., webinars, forums, summits like AHTS2025).
Funding & Benefits
While not a direct grant program, Y-DHC provides significant forms of support and opportunity:
- Visibility & Recognition: Featured across Africa CDC and YiDHN platforms, amplifying the impact of Champions’ work.
- High-Level Convenings: Access to webinars, policy dialogues, Africa CDC forums; select Champions may attend the Africa HealthTech Summit (AHTS2025).
- Networking: Linkages with peers across Africa, fostering collaboration and shared learning.
- Capacity Building: Invitations to workshops, training, and policy engagement sessions to build leadership, advocacy, and technical skills.
- Scale-Up Support: Access to seed funding opportunities, mentorship, sponsorships, innovation challenges, fellowships, and accelerator programs.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Age: 18–35 years at time of application.
- Citizenship/Residency: Citizen of an African Union member state, including those in the diaspora.
- Language Proficiency: Proficient in English, French, Arabic, or Portuguese. Cross-lingual ability is an advantage.
- Active Engagement in Digital Health: Demonstrated involvement in at least one of the following fields:
- Innovation (e.g., startup founder, tech developer)
- Research or academia
- Public health programs using digital tools
- Policy development or advocacy
- Capacity building or digital literacy initiatives
Application Date & Deadline (2025 cycle)
- Opening: 29 August 2025
- Deadline: 14 September 2025 at 11:00 PM GMT+3
- Announcement of Results: 20 September 2025
Duration of Program or Opportunity
- 12-month engagement, during which Champions participate in YiDHN activities, advocacy, training, visibility initiatives, and networking.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit via an online application form, including:
- Completed application form
- CV/Resume (max 2 pages)
- One letter of recommendation
- Optional: project links, publications, media references
The selection evaluation criteria include:
- Leadership & Initiative (45%)
- Impact & Innovation (25%)
- Motivation & Future Potential (30%)
Application Website
Applications are submitted via a link (e.g., bit.ly application form) promoted on the Africa CDC Youth Programme site (youth.africacdc.org) and the official call page for Youth Digital Health Champions. For example:
