Abuja: The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, has called for increased youth participation in shaping health policies across Africa, emphasizing the necessity for young people to become active partners in health governance. Olawande’s remarks came during the Youth Consultative Forum on the WHO Africa Regional Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and Vision 2035, held in Abuja. He was represented by Mr. Emmanuel Essien, Director of Youth Health, Mental and Psychosocial Affairs in the ministry.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olawande highlighted the various challenges faced by African youths, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, unemployment, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and sexual and reproductive health concerns. He stressed the need for urgent attention from policymakers to address these issues. The minister advocated for youth-centered health systems that are inclusive, responsive, and tailored to the needs of young people, while also removing barriers to healthcare access and expanding mental health services.
Olawande emphasized the role of youths in healthcare innovation through technology, data systems, and telemedicine. He urged greater investment in innovations that enhance health service delivery across Africa and called for inclusive interventions targeting marginalized and underserved communities. The minister also encouraged collaboration between governments, international organizations, academic institutions, and civil society groups with youths to develop practical and sustainable recommendations for Africa’s future health policies.
Dr. Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria, supported Olawande’s call for meaningful youth involvement in shaping the WHO African Regional Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and Vision 2035. Represented by Dr. Alex Chimbaru, WHO’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Team Lead, Ursu stated that Africa’s youthful population presents an opportunity to build healthier, more resilient, and prosperous societies through active youth participation in health planning and decision-making processes.
Ursu reiterated WHO’s support for Nigeria in areas such as disease prevention, immunization, emergency preparedness, maternal and child health, and universal health coverage initiatives. He explained that the proposed strategy aligns with Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness, and climate-resilient health systems across Africa. Despite the challenges of communicable and non-communicable diseases, health emergencies, climate-related risks, and unequal healthcare access, Ursu noted that innovation, technology, and youth leadership provide new opportunities to transform Africa’s health systems.
Mohammed Fall, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, also urged greater youth participation, describing young people as partners, innovators, leaders, and agents of sustainable development. Fall commended WHO and its Regional Office for Africa for conducting an inclusive consultation and highlighted the continent’s future prosperity, which depends on sustained investments in young people’s health, education, well-being, and empowerment.
Dr. Joy Ufere-Isikima, WHO Technical Officer for Child and Adolescent Health, stated that the forum aimed to align youths with WHO priorities and develop practical recommendations through stronger partnerships.