Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Mental Health Leadership Advocacy Course 2026 in Cairo
Apply for the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Advocacy Course 2026 in Cairo, Egypt. Public health professionals and mental health advocates can receive scholarships to attend this leadership programme focused on strengthening mental health systems in Africa.
A Leadership Programme Advancing Mental Health Systems in Africa
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced the Annual Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Course for 2026, an important initiative designed to strengthen leadership and policy development in mental health across Africa.
The course will take place from 10 to 22 May 2026 at the American University in Cairo in Cairo, Egypt. This two-week programme brings together public health professionals, mental health advocates, and individuals with lived experience to explore innovative approaches to improving mental health systems across the continent.
Participants will engage in intensive learning sessions, discussions, and collaborative projects aimed at strengthening policy, advocacy, and leadership in mental health.
About the Mental Health Leadership Programme
The course forms part of the Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The MHLP is a three-year flagship initiative designed to build a new generation of leaders capable of addressing mental health challenges in Africa.
The programme focuses on applying public health strategies and human rights perspectives to understand mental health issues and improve mental healthcare systems. Through leadership development, research engagement, and policy advocacy training, the programme aims to empower professionals who can influence change at national, regional, and community levels.
Participants are encouraged to bring forward innovative projects and ideas that could strengthen mental health systems within their own countries.
Who Should Apply?
The course targets individuals working or interested in advancing mental health in Africa. This includes:
- Public health professionals
- Mental health practitioners
- Policy advocates and researchers
- Civil society representatives
- Individuals with lived experience who are actively involved in mental health advocacy
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in improving mental health systems and contributing to policy or programme development within their communities.
The course encourages applicants who are already working on innovative initiatives or projects that aim to improve access to mental health services, promote awareness, or influence policy reforms.
Scholarship Opportunities
To ensure broader participation from across the continent, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention will provide full scholarships for 25 participants from African Union member states.
These scholarships will cover the main costs of attending the programme, allowing selected professionals to benefit from the training regardless of financial constraints.
In addition, the American University in Cairo will offer limited scholarships covering course fees for participants coming from low-income countries, helping to make the programme more accessible.
Applicants will be asked to indicate in their registration whether they are applying for:
- An Africa CDC full scholarship
- A course-fee scholarship from the American University in Cairo
- Self-sponsored participation
Course Fees for Self-Funded Participants
Candidates who wish to participate through self-funding may still apply for the programme. The course fees cover learning materials and training resources but do not include accommodation or meals.
The course fees are structured based on the participant’s country income classification according to the World Bank:
- Residents of Egypt: $500
- Residents of other low-income countries: $800
- Residents of middle-income countries: $1,000
- Residents of high-income countries: $1,500
This tiered fee structure is designed to ensure fairness and accessibility for participants from different economic contexts.
What Participants Will Learn
The course is designed to provide participants with advanced knowledge and leadership skills in mental health advocacy and policy development.
Participants will explore several important topics, including:
- Mental health systems strengthening
- Public health approaches to mental health
- Human rights in mental health care
- Policy development and legislative frameworks
- Advocacy strategies for mental health reform
- Leadership skills for driving systemic change
Through interactive discussions and practical case studies, participants will also develop strategies for implementing mental health programmes and initiatives in their respective countries.
Why the Programme Matters
Mental health remains one of the most under-resourced areas of healthcare across many parts of Africa. Despite increasing awareness, many countries still face challenges related to funding, workforce capacity, policy development, and access to services.
The Mental Health Leadership Programme aims to address these challenges by preparing professionals who can lead change in their communities and influence national health policies.
By bringing together experts and advocates from different regions, the course promotes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in addressing mental health challenges across the continent.
Application Deadline
Interested applicants must complete the official registration form and submit their application before 19 March 2026.
Early application is encouraged, particularly for those seeking scholarship support, as the number of sponsored placements is limited.
Building the Next Generation of Mental Health Leaders
The Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Advocacy Course 2026 represents a significant opportunity for professionals committed to improving mental health systems in Africa.
By combining leadership training, policy engagement, and practical learning, the programme empowers participants to become influential advocates for mental health reform in their countries.
For individuals passionate about strengthening mental health services and shaping the future of public health in Africa, this course offers a powerful platform for learning, collaboration, and impact.
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