Call for Applications: Join the Bingwa PLUS Initiative – Empowering Young African Health Leaders

Digital Doctors

Sun, 08 Jun 2025

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Office to the African Union and YouthHubAfrica, is excited to announce the Bingwa PLUS initiative. This unique program serves as an incubator for young African health champions committed to enhancing health outcomes in their communities.

About Bingwa PLUS

Bingwa PLUS is an extension of the African Union's Bingwa Initiative, which successfully mobilized Youth Health Advocates (Bingwas) to engage communities and increase COVID-19 vaccination rates across Africa. This new initiative is designed to empower young health leaders with the skills to develop, resource, and manage impactful health projects. Through Bingwa PLUS, participants will strengthen their leadership, innovation, and project management skills to address critical health challenges and support community health resilience.

Who Should Apply?

We’re on the lookout for promising community health initiatives that are led, driven, and focused on youth, with the potential to create sustainable impact. Ideal applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Age: 18-35 years old
• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an African Union member state
• Experience: Proven passion for public health, leadership potential, and experience in community health initiatives
• Proposal: A clear, scalable solution addressing a health challenge, showcasing an in-depth understanding of the issue
• Availability: Must commit to a 4-month incubation program

Special consideration will be given to applicants from marginalized or disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g., gender, youth from rural areas, youth with disabilities) and those presenting ideas related to current health emergencies like Mpox or Marburg.

Program Benefits

Participants in the Bingwa PLUS program will enjoy:

• Expert-led Weekly Webinars: Access to workshops hosted by industry experts and training through the YouthHubAfrica Academy’s online platform.
• Networking Opportunities: Membership in an extensive network of Young Health Advocates across Africa.
• Visibility: The chance to present your ideas to a continental audience and gain exposure through Africa CDC and GIZ.
• Funding: The opportunity to pitch your innovation for a grant of up to USD 3,000.
• Mentorship: Tailored guidance and hands-on support throughout the project’s implementation phase.
• Growth Opportunities: Assistance in applying for additional funding through Africa CDC and its partners.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the Google Form and submit the following:

• A personal statement on their motivation to join Bingwa PLUS and their suitability for the program.
• A 300-word pitch outlining the health challenge they aim to address and their proposed solution.
• A recent curriculum vitae (maximum of three pages).
• A recommendation letter from an employer, volunteer supervisor, or educator who can vouch for their character, community involvement, leadership abilities, and project management skills.

Application Deadline

Applications close at 11:59 PM East Africa Time on 17 November 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative program that empowers you to drive change and contribute to Africa’s health landscape!