GFAN Africa Youth Forum
Youth Voices Shaping Africa’s Health FutureThe GFAN Africa Youth Forum is a youth-led initiative convened to amplify youth perspectives, build advocacy capacity, and contribute to the Global Fund’s mission of ending epidemics and strengthening health systems.
About the GFAN Africa Youth Forum
Africa has the world’s youngest population with an estimated 200 million people aged between 15 and 24 – a number that is expected to double in 2045.
As African nations work towards improving health systems and improving the burden of disease, it is clear that the youth must be included in the conversation and actively participate in developing and evaluating health interventions.
With over 60% of Africa’s population under 30 years old and 42% of the world’s youth projected to reside in Africa by 2030, youth involvement in decision-making is critical. Their participation in health governance is crucial to providing robust patient-centered care that will ensure a healthier, safer future.
The GFAN Africa Youth Forum is part of a series of youth-led conversations convened by GFAN Africa in support of the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment. They aim to connect youth leaders, support advocacy skills, and coordinate cross-border action to support the Global Fund’s work in creating a healthier, more equitable future.
This forum is a continuation of WACI Health’s Under the Tree initiative that seeks to equip young people with advocacy and leadership skills.
Our Partners
The Forum is supported by a network of youth-focused and community-centered organisations, including:
August Session
The session highlighted why young people matter in decision-making, their role in advocacy, and the importance of storytelling in GFAN Africa’s One World, One Fight campaign. Youth participants also co-created messages for the TICAD-9 Summit.
Hear from Miranda Ziba, an advocate from The Youth Platform, Zambia, on youth advocacy towards African and Japanese leaders for TICAD-9.
September Session
The session featured a community story showing the impact of the Global Fund and youth engagement opportunities during key global moments such as the G20 and the World Health Assembly. Youth developed advocacy messages that were amplified on these platforms.
Hear from Nuradeen Zakariyya, an advocate from Nigeria who shared his lived experience of fighting malaria and the impact of the Global Fund.
Youth as Change Agents
We cannot discuss the future without including the population that is the most affected.Young people are not passive beneficiaries. They shape policies, mobilize communities, and drive innovation. Their voices must be included in all health conversations — especially those that determine their future.