| Issue/Objective |
Access to funding for medical studies is a significant barrier for many young Africans. This limitation hinders their ability to pursue careers in global health, reducing their potential to act as change agents in addressing health challenges. For instance, in 2020, only five countries in WHO Africa Region met the recommended threshold of spending a minimum of US$ 249 per capita on health. The objective of this presentation is to explore the impact of increased funding access on the empowerment of African youth and their role in global health initiatives. |
| Methodology/Approach |
This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews. The quantitative component involves analyzing funding data from major health organizations such as the African Health Initiative and the Global Health Network. It also consists of consultations with Governments regarding home grown solution on public health researches and medical studies funding targeting youth as young generation.
1. The African Health Initiative (AHI) is a special initiative launched in 2007 by the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) to strengthen health systems in sub-Saharan Africa by supporting partnerships and large-scale models of care that link implementation research and workforce training directly to the delivery of integrated primary healthcare
2. Global Health Network: The Global Health Network Africa is committed to empowering African researchers by connecting them with the resources they need to drive impactful research,
3. Governments financing mechanism: although there is still a big gap between African government and global donors' investments in health studies, some African governments have shown commitment to support youth projects focusing on medical sciences and public health research.
The qualitative component includes interviews with young African medical students and professionals who have received funding, focusing on their experiences and contributions to global health projects. It also takes into accounts feedback from donors/partners, private investors and governments.
|
| Results |
Preliminary results indicate that increased access to funding significantly enhances the ability of young Africans to engage in medical studies and global health initiatives. Funded students report higher levels of academic achievement, greater involvement in research, and more opportunities to participate in international health projects. These students also demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing global health issues, such as infectious diseases, mental health, and health equity.
The University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda, opened in partnership with Partners in Health and the Government in Rwanda is an example of a strong partnership among public health institutions and Governments to boost young empowerment as change agents in global health. UGHE-2021-Impact-Report-Approved.pdf
|
| Discussion/Conclusion |
The study concludes that improving access to funding for medical and public health studies is a vital strategy for empowering African youth as change agents in global health. By investing in the education and development of young health professionals, we can harness their potential to drive innovation and improve health outcomes worldwide. Future policies should focus on expanding funding opportunities and providing targeted support to young people from underrepresented regions. It's to note that no partner should be left behind, global donors, private sectors, foundations and Government should join effort to fill in the funding gap that African Youth are currently facing when engaging their efforts in health-related studies and research. Hence, the African Governments as 1st accountable entities, should start increasing the budget allocation to health sector in general, but having also a special budget funding medical and public health studies, research and innovative solutions led by Youth.
African Health Initiative | Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
Research Funding & Grant Opportunities for African Researchers • The Global Health Network Africa
About | UGHE
WHO-Afro-financing-atlas.pdf
|
| Presenters and affiliations |
LIONEL RUBAYIZA ISIMBI Private young investor |
