Blog Post

The Design Equity and Action Leadership (DEAL) Fellowship: An Innovative Approach to Building Competency and Mentoring Emerging Public Health Leaders in Africa

The Design Equity and Action Leadership (DEAL) Fellowship, a component of the Young Public Health Professionals Hub (YPPH) offered by the West African Academy of Public Health (WAIPH), represents a groundbreaking initiative in Africa aimed at fostering the development of emerging public health leaders. This essay explores why the DEAL Fellowship is considered an innovative competency-building program that incorporates mentoring and coaching, thereby nurturing the next generation of African public health leaders. By examining its key features, including its focus on design thinking, equity, and action-oriented leadership, we can appreciate the unique contributions of the DEAL Fellowship in addressing the complex challenges faced by the African public health sector , towards a fit -for-purpose public health workforce.

Nurturing Young Leaders for Africa’s New Public Health Order: The YPPH Programme’s Decolonising Approach

In an era marked by globalisation and interconnectedness, the need for decolonising global health and empowering local communities has become increasingly evident. Africa, with its rich diversity and complex health challenges, is at the forefront of this movement. To address the pressing issues facing the continent, the Supporting Young Public Health Professionals to Thrive or better known as the Young Professionals in Public Health (YPPH) programme has emerged as an award-winning transformative initiative, fostering young leaders grounded in equity, systems design, and the Africa We Want. With its 2023 cohort comprising participants from diverse countries, the YPPH programme embodies a commitment to decolonisation, local innovation, a community of practitioners global learning and growing health literacy champions.

Redefining Maternal and Newborn Health in Africa: The Power of Collaboration and Action

The International Maternal Newborn Health Conference, held May 8–11 in Cape Town, South Africa, brought together delegates from around the world to address the pressing challenges faced by maternal and newborn health in Africa. The conference highlighted the need for renewed action and collaboration to achieve the 2030 targets for maternal and newborn health, as well as the reduction of stillbirths. With the release of the Atlas of African Health Statistics 2022 by the World Health Organization (WHO), it becomes evident that Africa is facing setbacks in its progress towards reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. This article will discuss how the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH) is redefining the new public health space in Africa, particularly in West Africa, to tackle these challenges through policy advocacy complex, collaboration, capacity building, and other approaches.

Embracing Fatherhood: Celebrating Men’s Role as Partners in Family Health and Wellbeing

“To be the father of a nation is a great honour, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy.” - Nelson Mandela

In the world we live in today, the challenges of fatherhood are as diverse as they are demanding. Fatherhood is no longer limited to being the “breadwinner” or the disciplinarian of the family. It has evolved into a multifaceted role that encompasses nurturing, emotional support, and active participation in the overall health and well-being of the family. As we celebrate Father’s Day in 2023, it is essential to recognize the importance of men embracing their roles as partners in family life, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. In writing this article, I will attempt to explore the significance of fatherhood, the influence of fathers in society, and pay tribute to Akubueze Damian Aturiama Ohanyido Okoli, a remarkable father figure, as well as other socially relevant African icons like Nelson Mandela, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Julius Nyerere.