Youth NTDs Fellowship
The Youth Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Fellowship is a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering youth to become active change agents and future public health leaders in the fight against NTDs. Given Africa’s account for high burden of NTDs and its substantial youth population. This fellowship seeks to fill the gap in youth engagement in health initiatives.
The program offers participants a comprehensive platform where they gain in-depth knowledge on NTDs epidemiology, innovative advocacy methods, community engagement and use of digital communication strategies. Ultimately, the fellowship prepares a new generation of leaders who will contribute to policy influence, community engagement, and sustainable disease control efforts.
Targeted Audience
The fellowship specifically targets Tanzanian Youths in the following setting:
- University Students: Primarily those enrolled in health related fields across major Tanzanian institutions.
- Student Associations: Including medical, pharmaceutical, environmental health, and laboratory science clubs that can integrate NTDs advocacy into their activities.
- Emerging Youth Leaders: Individuals who show potential for advocacy, research, and community engagement in public health, especially in the context of NTDs elimination.
Each cohort is expected to have a minimum of 30 fellows, with potential for expansion in future cohorts.
Methodology
This is a 3 months fellowship that employs a Virtual Cohort Learning Approach that is both interactive and flexible. Key components include:
- Online Modules: A blend of pre-recorded lectures, live sessions, and multimedia resources that build a foundation in NTD will be provided.
- Group Assignments: Fellows will be organized into small working groups to encourage collaboration on case studies, research projects, and innovative advocacy campaign designs.
- Innovative Advocacy Approaches: Throughout the program, Fellows will be supported to develop and produce innovative advocacy outputs such as policy briefs, opinion pieces, and campaigns targeting key challenges in the NTDs space. These approaches will aim to influence policy, drive awareness, and strengthen community engagement across Africa.
- Mentorship: Each fellow will be paired with a mentor who is an expert in NTDs or a related field. Regular discussions and support from field experts will help participants refine their advocacy strategies and practical interventions.
