Young Africans Propose Nine Recommendations to Strengthen Health Systems Across Africa
Over 80 young health professionals, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and higher education representatives gathered at Ubuntu Rising 2026 in Cape Town to draft nine recommendations for Africa’s health systems.
In Brief
- •Over 80 young health professionals, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and higher education representatives gathered at Ubuntu Rising 2026 in Cape Town to draft nine recommendations for Africa’s health systems.
- •The recommendations focus on leadership, innovation and employment, urging stronger policy linkages, measurable youth influence and institutional support for young leaders.
- •Participants highlighted stark workforce gaps: 90% of employed youth work informally, only 10% in formal jobs, 34% live below $2.15/day and 9% hold tertiary degrees.
- •Health workforce data cited a shortage of 5.5 million workers and nearly 1 million trained professionals lacking meaningful employment.
- •The event was hosted by the University of Cape Town and convened by the Africa Health Collaborative ahead of the 18th World Congress on Public Health.
Why It Matters
The recommendations aim to reshape Africa’s health systems by empowering young professionals to influence policy, innovate within education, and secure formal employment. Addressing the stark employment and workforce shortages highlighted by Mastercard Foundation and WHO data could improve health outcomes, reduce informal labor, and foster sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Key Details
- Informal Employment %
- 90%
- Formal Employment %
- 10%
- Youth Below Poverty Line %
- 34%
- Tertiary Education Completion %
- 9%
- Health Worker Shortage
- 5.5 million
- Trained Professionals Without Work
- 1 million
Original Reporting & Sources
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