Applications are now open for the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026, a premier gathering for young Africans shaping the future of public health. Held immediately ahead of the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026), the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026 gives young professionals, researchers, innovators and advocates from African Union Member States a working platform to feed their ideas into continental decision-making.
Complete guide to the YPC 2026 theme and strategic framework, the five thematic tracks, eligibility criteria and target participants, delegate benefits, the step-by-step application process, application language options, and frequently asked questions.
Quick Highlights
Parameter
Details
Organization
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
Event
Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026 (YPC 2026)
Event Type
Youth pre-conference held immediately ahead of CPHIA 2026
Location
Not specified (held ahead of the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa)
Eligibility
Young Africans in AU Member States active or interested in public health
Experience Required
Active involvement or strong professional interest in public health
Sector
Public Health
Preferred Applicants
Health professionals, innovators, researchers, advocates and community leaders
Africa CDC is the continental public health agency of the African Union, and YPC 2026 is built on its Strategy for Youth Engagement and Participation in Global Health (YES!Health 2025–2028). The conference theme is “Africa Ready for the Future of Health.”
Area
Details
Host Organization
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
Strategic Framework
YES!Health 2025–2028 (Strategy for Youth Engagement and Participation in Global Health)
Overarching Theme
“Africa Ready for the Future of Health”
Policy Alignment
New Public Health Order
Alignment Goals
Health sovereignty, local manufacturing, workforce development, equitable healthcare access
Purpose
Integrate youth-led initiatives, research and policy recommendations into continental decision-making
Related Event
5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026)
Participant Region
African Union Member States
Thematic Tracks in the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026
The conference is structured around five strategic thematic tracks, and delegates focus their contributions on these specialised areas.
Thematic Track
Focus Area
Key Objectives
Digital Health, Research & Innovation
Technology, data science and scientific studies
Leveraging digital tools, artificial intelligence and localised research to strengthen health systems
Building Africa’s Public Health Workforce
Training, retention and professional development
Addressing workforce shortages, capacity building and leadership pipelines for young professionals
One Health & Emergency Response
Zoonotic diseases, climate shocks and outbreak management
Enhancing cross-sectoral preparedness, surveillance and rapid response mechanisms
Local Manufacturing & Health Sovereignty
Vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and supply chains
Promoting home-grown pharmaceutical production and reducing reliance on external imports
Sexual & Reproductive Health & HIV
Rights, advocacy and community-led interventions
Advancing youth-friendly healthcare access, prevention and policy reform for marginalised groups
Eligibility Criteria and Target Participants
Participation in the CPHIA 2026 youth platform is competitive and open to qualified candidates from all African Union Member States who show active involvement or a strong professional interest in public health.
Eligible Profile
Who It Covers
Health Professionals
Doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, laboratory technicians and clinical researchers
Innovators and Entrepreneurs
Creators of health-tech solutions, medical device developers and health enterprise founders
Researchers and Academics
Graduate students, fellows and early-career researchers publishing public health data
Advocates and Communicators
Civil society leaders, health journalists, policy analysts and youth activists
Community Leaders
Grassroots organisers running localised health education and wellness programmes
Additional Requirement
Details
Age and Residency
Young Africans within the African Union youth demographic brackets, residing in AU Member States
Fields of Work or Study
Public health, research, innovation, advocacy and related fields
Commitment
Prepared to join pre-conference virtual sessions, contribute to working documents and attend the live event preceding CPHIA 2026
Key Benefits for Delegates
Selected delegates gain professional development and networking opportunities through YPC 2026.
Benefit
Details
High-Level Engagement
Direct interaction with ministers of health, global health leaders, directors of international agencies and philanthropic funders
Continental Visibility
A platform to showcase youth-led research papers, technological innovations and community health projects to a global audience
Policy Influence
Direct contribution to a consolidated youth communique and policy recommendations presented at CPHIA 2026
Mentorship and Partnerships
Connections with seasoned mentors, institutional partners and potential investors
Named Initiatives
Opportunities through the Africa CDC Bingwa Plus Initiative and the Youth Advisory Team for Health (YAT4H)
How to Apply for the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026
Applications are managed directly through the Africa CDC digital portals, so prepare your materials carefully before submitting.
Step
Action
1
Review the guidelines by reading the event prospectus and background documents on the detailed notification page
2
Prepare documentation: update your professional CV, draft a motivation statement aligned with one of the five thematic tracks, and gather proof of public health engagement or affiliation
3
Complete the online form on the application portal in either English or French, filling all required demographic and professional fields and uploading supporting documents
4
Submit before the deadline, ensuring every part of the application is finalised before the closing date shown on the announcement page
Application Documents and Logistics
Item
Details
Required Documents
Updated professional CV, statement of motivation aligned to a thematic track, proof of public health engagement or affiliation
Application Language
English or French
Registration Fees
Not specified; selected delegates typically receive institutional communication on travel, logistics and registration support from the organising committee
Selection Process
Competitive application managed by Africa CDC; shortlisted delegates are contacted by the organising committee
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Answer
Q1. What is the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026?
It is the official youth-focused convening held immediately before the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026), serving as a working platform for young African health leaders to shape continental health policy.
Q2. Who is eligible to apply for YPC 2026?
Young Africans generally within the African Union youth demographic brackets, residing in AU Member States, who work or study in public health, research, innovation, advocacy and related fields.
Q3. What is the theme of YPC 2026?
The overarching theme is “Africa Ready for the Future of Health.”
Q4. How many thematic tracks are there?
Five: Digital Health, Research and Innovation; Building Africa’s Public Health Workforce; One Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response; Local Manufacturing and Health Sovereignty; and Youth Leadership on Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV.
Q5. Are there registration fees to attend the pre-conference?
Application and selection are managed by Africa CDC; selected delegates typically receive institutional communication regarding travel, logistics and registration support details directly from the organising committee.
Q6. In which languages can I apply?
The application portal is available in English or French.
Q7. How do I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted online through the official portal; the direct submission link and full applicant prospectus are on the official website.
Q8. What does the YES!Health framework refer to?
It is the Strategy for Youth Engagement and Participation in Global Health (YES!Health 2025–2028), which guides Africa CDC’s commitment to meaningful youth integration in public health.
Q9. What documents should I prepare?
An updated CV, a statement of motivation aligned with one of the five thematic tracks, and proof of your public health engagement or affiliation.
Q10. What is the application deadline?
Not specified; the closing date is indicated on the announcement page.
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