Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Mental Health Leadership & Advocacy Course 2026

The Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) invites applications for its upcoming Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Course, scheduled from 20 April to 1 May 2026 at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Nairobi, Kenya.

This intensive short course forms part of the Africa CDC’s flagship three-year Mental Health Leadership Programme, designed to cultivate a new generation of African leaders equipped to strengthen mental health systems across the continent.

About the Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP)

The MHLP is a three-year continental initiative aimed at preparing leaders to apply multifaceted, evidence-based approaches to understanding and addressing mental health challenges in Africa. The programme adopts a public health and human rights lens, empowering participants to influence:

• Mental health policy
• Legislation
• Service delivery
• Systems reform across all levels of healthcare

Through structured learning, peer exchange, and practical engagement, participants develop leadership competencies necessary to advance mental health advocacy and systems strengthening in diverse African contexts.

Who Should Apply?

The course is open to:

• Public health professionals
• Mental health practitioners
• Mental health enthusiasts
• Persons with lived experience
• Innovators implementing projects to strengthen mental health systems in Africa

Africa CDC will sponsor selected candidates who demonstrate strong commitment and innovative approaches to advancing mental health outcomes.

Sponsorship & Fees

Applicants must indicate whether they are applying for:

• Africa CDC Scholarship, or
• Self-Sponsorship

Self-sponsored participants are required to pay a tuition fee of USD $1,000, which includes:

• Registration fees
• Meals during the course

The tuition fee does not cover:

• Accommodation
• Local transport (for Kenyan participants)
• International flights
• Health insurance
• Other personal expenses

Course Details

• Dates: 20 April – 1 May 2026
• Venue: Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Nairobi
• Attendance: Full participation is mandatory (partial attendance is not permitted)

Participants must confirm availability for the entire duration of the programme if selected.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must complete the official registration form and provide the following information:

• Full name (as it appears on passport)
• Primary and alternative email address
• Country of residence
• Age group (18–35 years or above 35 years)
• Gender
• Organisation
• Professional discipline
• Personal statement (200 words): Experience and work related to mental health
• Motivation statement (200 words): Why the short course is an opportunity
• Impact statement (350 words): How participation will benefit organisation and community
• Scholarship preference (Africa CDC or Self-Sponsor)
• Confirmation of availability (20 April – 1 May 2026)
• Copy of valid passport (PDF, JPG, or PNG; maximum 10MB)

Applicants are reminded not to submit passwords or sensitive login credentials through the form.

Application Deadline

27 February 2026

Late submissions will not be considered.

Why This Course Matters

Mental health remains one of the most under-resourced public health priorities across Africa. By investing in leadership development, Africa CDC aims to:

• Strengthen national mental health systems
• Promote human rights-based approaches to care
• Enhance cross-sector collaboration
• Build sustainable mental health advocacy networks

The Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Course provides a platform for professionals and advocates to refine their leadership capacity, expand regional networks, and contribute to long-term systemic transformation.

Take the Next Step

Individuals committed to advancing mental health policy, strengthening service delivery, and influencing systemic change across Africa are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline.

This programme represents a strategic opportunity to join a continental movement focused on sustainable mental health reform and leadership excellence.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the course. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.