The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for greater involvement of young people in shaping health policies across Africa, saying their contributions are critical to developing a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable health system for the continent.
The call was made on Monday at the Youth Consultative Forum on the WHO African Regional Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and Vision 2035 held at the United Nations Conference Room in Abuja.
The forum brought together government officials, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, youth groups and development partners to gather young people’s contributions towards the WHO African Regional Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and Vision 2035.
Speaking at the event, WHO Representative in Nigeria, Pavel Ursu, said the consultation reflects the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that young people are not only beneficiaries of health programmes but active partners in designing the continent’s future health agenda.
Mr Ursu noted that Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with more than 60 per cent of its people under 25, describing the demographic trend as a major opportunity to improve health and economic outcomes if young people are meaningfully involved in decision-making.
