Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) Short Course 2026 in Nigeria: Leadership and Advocacy Training for Emerging Mental Health Leaders Across Africa @Unknown

Applications are now open for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) Short Course 2026, a flagship leadership and advocacy training initiative designed to strengthen mental health systems, policies, advocacy efforts, and leadership capacity across Africa.

The 2026 edition of the MHLP Short Course will take place at the prestigious University of Ibadan in Nigeria from 3–14 August 2026. The programme is calling for applications from emerging leaders, professionals, policymakers, advocates, healthcare workers, and mental health enthusiasts from African Union Member States who are committed to advancing mental health services and promoting the rights and wellbeing of people living with mental health conditions.

As mental health continues to gain recognition as a critical public health and development priority across Africa, the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme seeks to empower a new generation of leaders capable of driving reforms, combating stigma, influencing policy, and strengthening mental health systems throughout the continent.

About the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP)

The Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme is a flagship initiative established to support the development of strong mental health leadership across African countries.

The programme focuses on:

• Strengthening mental health systems
• Promoting mental health advocacy
• Supporting policy development and reform
• Building leadership capacity
• Advancing mental health rights
• Reducing stigma and discrimination
• Encouraging evidence-based mental health interventions

Through specialized training and networking opportunities, the programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to influence positive change within their organizations, communities, and countries.

About the Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Programme (mhLAP) Short Course

The Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Programme (mhLAP) Short Course was established in 2010 and has become one of Africa’s leading capacity-building programmes for mental health advocates and professionals.

The course is specifically designed to prepare participants for informed mental health advocacy and leadership by providing practical tools and strategies to address mental health challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly within African contexts.

The programme emphasizes the importance of:

• Leadership development
• Mental health advocacy
• Anti-stigma campaigns
• Mental health policy reform
• Legislative development
• Human rights protection
• Community engagement
• Health system strengthening

Participants will gain valuable insights into how mental health intersects with public health, social development, human rights, and economic growth.

Programme Dates and Location

Course Dates

3 August 2026 – 14 August 2026

Duration

Two weeks

Course Format

Residential programme

Host Institution

University of Ibadan

Location

Ibadan, Nigeria

The residential format allows participants to engage fully in intensive learning sessions, practical workshops, networking activities, peer learning, and collaborative discussions throughout the programme.

Programme Objectives

The MHLP Short Course seeks to develop a cadre of mental health leaders who can influence positive change at local, national, and regional levels.

The programme aims to:

1. Strengthen participants’ leadership skills.
2. Improve understanding of mental health systems.
3. Enhance mental health advocacy capacity.
4. Support anti-stigma and awareness initiatives.
5. Promote policy and legislative reform.
6. Advance human rights for people with mental health conditions.
7. Build networks among mental health stakeholders across Africa.
8. Support innovative approaches to mental health service delivery.
9. Encourage evidence-based policy development.
10. Strengthen collaboration among governments, civil society, healthcare providers, and service users.

What Participants Will Learn

Participants will be exposed to a wide range of topics relevant to mental health leadership and advocacy.

Areas of learning may include:

Mental Health Leadership

• Leadership theories and practice
• Strategic planning
• Organizational leadership
• Change management

Advocacy and Communication

• Advocacy strategies
• Public awareness campaigns
• Stakeholder engagement
• Strategic communication

Mental Health Policy and Legislation

• Policy analysis
• Legislative frameworks
• Mental health governance
• Health systems strengthening

Human Rights and Mental Health

• Rights-based approaches
• Inclusion and participation
• Protection of vulnerable groups
• Human rights advocacy

Stigma Reduction

• Anti-stigma interventions
• Community engagement approaches
• Public education campaigns

Mental Health Systems Development

• Service delivery models
• Workforce development
• Financing and sustainability
• Integrated mental healthcare

Who Should Apply?

The programme welcomes applications from individuals who are passionate about improving mental health outcomes across Africa.

Applications are encouraged from:

Policymakers

Government officials and policymakers working on health, social welfare, education, or related sectors.

Politicians

Political leaders interested in advancing mental health legislation and reforms.

Mental Health Professionals

Including:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Mental health nurses
• Social workers
• Counsellors
• Therapists

Healthcare Workers

Professionals working in health systems who want to strengthen mental health services.

Service Users

Individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions who are involved in advocacy and community initiatives.

Caregivers

People supporting individuals living with mental health conditions.

Civil Society Organizations

Staff and leaders of:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Community-based organizations
• Advocacy groups
• Youth organizations

Mental Health Enthusiasts

Individuals with innovative ideas and projects aimed at strengthening mental health systems and improving mental health outcomes in Africa.

Africa CDC Scholarship Opportunities

Applicants will be asked whether they intend to apply for an Africa CDC scholarship to support their participation in the programme.

Scholarship opportunities may be available to selected participants based on programme funding and eligibility requirements.

Self-Funding Costs

For applicants who are not receiving scholarship support, participation fees apply.

Nigerian-Based Participants

Self-funded participants based in Nigeria will pay:

• 5,000 Nigerian Naira

Participants from African Countries and LMICs

Self-funded participants from other African countries and low- and middle-income countries will pay:

• USD 1,000

Participants from Countries Outside Africa and LMICs

Self-funded participants from countries outside Africa and LMICs will pay:

• USD 1,500

Applicants should indicate their intended funding source during the application process.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be required to provide:

Personal Information

• Full name as it appears on passport
• Email address
• Alternative email address
• Country of residence
• Age group
• Gender
• Organization
• Occupation

Written Responses

Applicants must answer the following questions:

Personal Statement (200 Words)

Tell us about yourself and your work related to mental health.

Community Impact Statement (350 Words)

Explain how participation in the course will benefit your organization and community.

Documentation

Applicants must upload:

• A valid passport copy (PDF format)

Attendance Commitment

Selected participants must confirm availability for the entire programme period.

Important note:

Partial attendance is not permitted.

All selected participants must attend the full course from 3–14 August 2026.

Application Deadline

26 June 2026

 

APPLY HERE

Why This Programme Matters

Mental health remains one of the most under-resourced areas of public health across many African countries. Limited funding, workforce shortages, stigma, policy gaps, and inadequate services continue to affect millions of people.

The Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme seeks to address these challenges by building a network of skilled leaders who can:

• Influence policy
• Drive reform
• Strengthen services
• Promote inclusion
• Protect human rights
• Advance community-based solutions

The programme recognizes that sustainable change requires strong leadership and coordinated advocacy at every level.

Benefits of Participating

Participants can expect to gain:

• Advanced leadership skills
• Practical advocacy knowledge
• Policy development expertise
• Regional networking opportunities
• Exposure to leading mental health experts
• Collaboration opportunities across Africa
• Enhanced capacity to influence change
• Improved ability to design and implement mental health initiatives
• Stronger understanding of rights-based mental healthcare

Visit HERE to learn more about the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) Short Course in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) Short Course 2026 presents an outstanding opportunity for emerging leaders and mental health stakeholders across Africa to strengthen their advocacy, leadership, and policy engagement skills. Through intensive training, peer learning, networking, and practical leadership development, participants will gain the tools needed to contribute meaningfully to stronger mental health systems and improved mental health outcomes across the continent. For individuals committed to advancing mental health rights, reducing stigma, influencing policy reforms, and improving services in their communities, the MHLP Short Course offers a powerful platform to develop the expertise and networks necessary to create lasting impact throughout Africa.

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