Call for Applications: Apply Now for the Sponsored 2026 Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Advocacy Course

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Closing Date: 31 January 2026

Call for Applications: Apply Now for the Sponsored 2026 Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Advocacy Course

Start 2026 by strengthening your leadership impact. Apply for the Mental Health Leadership & Advocacy Course under Africa CDC‘s Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP), taking place 2–13 March 2026 at the University of Zimbabwe, Harare.

Scholarships available (Africa CDC–sponsored or self-sponsored)

Overview

Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) will sponsor public health professionals, mental health enthusiast and persons with lived experience with innovative projects to strengthen mental health systems in Africa to attend the course in Harare, Zimbabwe.

MHLP is a three-year flagship programme aimed at preparing leaders to apply multifaceted approaches to understand and address mental health on the continent through a public health and human rights lens, to influence mental health policy, legislation and practice at all levels of the healthcare systems.

The Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership & Advocacy Course is a transformative training initiative designed to strengthen leadership, advocacy, and strategic action on mental health across the African continent. Developed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), this course equips health professionals, policymakers, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to advance mental health systems, reduce stigma, and improve access to quality mental health services.

As mental health challenges continue to rise in Africa, this course promotes evidence-based action, collaborative leadership and multisectoral strategies to improve mental well-being for individuals, families and communities.

Why the Course Matters

Mental health has emerged as a critical public health priority in Africa. Across the continent, millions of people live with conditions that often go unrecognized, untreated or stigmatized. Strengthening leadership and advocacy for mental health is essential to addressing gaps in policy, services and community support.

The course responds directly to this need by preparing a new generation of leaders who can champion mental health at national, regional and community levels. Participants leave with enhanced understanding of policy frameworks, communication strategies, systems strengthening and stakeholder engagement — all geared toward sustainable impact.

Who Should Participate

The Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Advocacy Course is ideal for:

Health professionals seeking leadership development in mental health
Policymakers and planners responsible for health system strengthening
Civil society leaders and community advocates
Programme managers working in public health or social services
Researchers focused on mental health policy, services or outcomes
Youth and community representatives passionate about mental health promotion

The course is designed to be inclusive, with participants from diverse backgrounds and skill levels encouraged to apply.

Why Mental Health Leadership Is Critical in Africa

Africa faces unique mental health challenges, including limited access to services, stigma, workforce shortages, and gaps in policy and funding. Effective leadership and advocacy are essential to:

Elevate mental health as a public health priority
Secure resources and policy commitments
Strengthen mental health systems and community support structures
Empower individuals and families affected by mental health conditions
Bridge the gap between evidence and policy

The Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Advocacy Course builds the skills needed to address these challenges with practical, culturally sensitive, and sustainable solutions.

How the Course Supports Long-Term Impact

Participants are equipped with:

Knowledge of global and regional mental health frameworks
Skills to engage stakeholders and build partnerships
Tools to design and implement mental health programs
Approaches to measure and evaluate impact
Templates for advocacy campaigns and policy briefs

These competencies help participants not only lead within their roles but contribute to larger movement toward mental health inclusion, equity, and resilience across Africa.

The Mental Health Leadership Advocacy Course is a powerful opportunity for professionals and emerging leaders to enhance their impact on mental health systems and communities. By focusing on leadership, advocacy, evidence use, and collaboration, the program helps build a cadre of informed, confident change-makers ready to tackle mental health challenges in Africa.

If you are committed to improving mental health outcomes and shaping future policy and practice, this course offers the tools, network, and strategic insights to elevate your work and contribute to sustainable change.