The One Young World Academy is a globally recognised e-learning platform designed to empower young leaders to make an impact. In partnership with the Gates Foundation, we are launching a special series focused on critical global health issues. The Academy series will explore how multifaceted approaches - combining innovation, advocacy, and partnerships are essential to advancing global health outcomes.
About the Course
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Health Division aims to reduce inequities in health by developing new tools and strategies to reduce the burden of infectious disease and the leading causes of child mortality in developing countries. This academy series will focus on four of The Foundation’s key global health programme areas namely; polio eradication, malaria eradication, family planning and maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH).
Why apply?
Expert guidance
Learn from top global health experts about current and emerging interventions on malaria, polio, family planning and MNCH.
Make an impact
Gain practical insights that you can apply to enhance the effectiveness of your own projects and initiatives.
Share your work on a world stage
The top eight Academy Graduates will receive a full scholarship to participate in the One Young World Summit 2025 in Munich alongside 2,000+ delegates from more than 190 countries.
Who can join?
- Aged 18 – 35.
- Working in the private/public sector, politics, or activism. From or living in one of the following eligible countries; Niger, Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire.
- Young leaders from the private and public sectors, political scenarios, civil society and activists interested in advancing global health in relation to malaria eradication, polio eradication, family planning or MNCH.
Session Content
Session 1
Navigating Today's Global Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities in Malaria Eradication
This session will focus on the global efforts and current advancements in malaria eradication, with a special emphasis on the opportunities and progress in Africa. We will explore the significant strides made in reducing malaria cases and deaths through innovative interventions and successful collaborations. The session will address the challenges of maintaining momentum in the fight against malaria amidst various global health priorities. It will also highlight inspiring success stories from across Africa, showcasing how targeted efforts, community engagement, and international partnerships have led to substantial progress in eradicating malaria.
Session 2
Achieving a Polio-Free World: Strategies and Success Stories in Polio Eradication
This session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of global efforts to eradicate polio. Polio, once a devastating disease worldwide, has seen a remarkable reduction in cases due to concerted global health initiatives. This session will explore the history of polio eradication efforts, the strategies employed, and the challenges faced. Additionally, we will highlight the critical role of international organisations, governments, and communities in these efforts. The session will conclude with inspiring stories of progress and the continuing journey towards a polio-free world.
Session 3
Empowering Africa through Family Planning: Strategies and Success Stories
This session will focus on advancing family planning initiatives across Africa, highlighting effective strategies and innovative approaches to meet the diverse needs of communities. We will explore successful family planning programs that are culturally sensitive and inclusive, showcasing practical examples of how these programs are making a difference. The session will feature stories of impactful family planning efforts, community successes, and insights from dedicated African healthcare professionals and advocates. We will conclude with actionable steps and a summary video emphasising how participants can contribute to and support the expansion of comprehensive family planning services throughout Africa.
Session 4
Enhancing Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health in Africa: Effective Strategies and Inspiring Successes
This session aims to comprehensively understand the efforts to improve maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) across Africa. Despite significant challenges, targeted health initiatives have made notable progress in reducing maternal and child mortality rates. This session will explore the history of MNCH efforts, the strategies employed, and the challenges faced. Additionally, we will highlight the critical role of international organisations, governments, and communities in these efforts. The session will conclude with inspiring stories of success and the ongoing journey towards improved MNCH outcomes in Africa.
Session 1
Navigating Today's Global Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities in Malaria Eradication
Session 2
Achieving a Polio-Free World: Strategies and Success Stories in Polio Eradication
Carol Pandak
David Heymann
David Heymann
Medical doctor and epidemiologist, and Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at LSHTM
Shudufhadzo Musida
Emmanuel Eegbroko
Sunday Olyel
Session 3
Empowering Africa through Family Planning: Strategies and Success Stories
Session 4
Enhancing Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health in Africa: Effective Strategies and Inspiring Successes
Sessions Outcomes
The sessions will encourage action by inviting participants to submit a deliverable (3-5 min video) or an essay covering one of the four-session themes. Eight winners (2 per topic) will be selected based on their submissions. They will benefit from a one-year-long programme (including the Global Leadership Programme, One Young World 2025 Munich Summit, and Action Accelerator).