Applications are now open for the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Course, scheduled to take place from 2 to 13 March 2026 at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare. This intensive short course is delivered under the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) and is designed to strengthen leadership capacity, advocacy skills, and systems-level thinking in mental health across the African continent. The programme invites public health professionals, mental health practitioners, advocates, and persons with lived experience who are committed to strengthening mental health systems in Africa through innovative, rights-based, and evidence-informed approaches. Application deadline: 31 January 2026 About the Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) The Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) is a three-year flagship initiative led by Africa CDC. The programme aims to prepare a new generation of leaders equipped to understand, influence, and transform mental health policy, legislation, and practice across Africa. MHLP adopts a public health and human rights lens, recognising mental health as a critical component of universal health coverage, social justice, and sustainable development. Through structured training, leadership development, and advocacy-focused learning, MHLP supports participants to: Analyse mental health challenges within health systems Apply multifaceted and interdisciplinary approaches Influence policy and legislation at national, regional, and continental levels Strengthen community-based and system-wide mental health responses About the Course The Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Course is an in-person, two-week programme designed to provide participants with practical leadership and advocacy tools to advance mental health agendas within their organisations and communities. Key focus areas include: Mental health systems strengthening in Africa Leadership and governance for mental health Advocacy strategies and policy engagement Human rights and mental health Community engagement and lived experience perspectives Participants are expected to attend the course in full, as partial attendance is not permitted. Sponsorship and Scholarships The MHLP will sponsor selected participants to attend the course in Harare. Scholarship categories include: Africa CDC–funded scholarship Self-sponsored participation Applicants must clearly indicate their preferred funding option in the registration form. Scholarships are competitive and awarded based on merit, motivation, and alignment with MHLP objectives. Who Should Apply The course is open to individuals across Africa and beyond who are actively engaged or strongly interested in mental health leadership and advocacy. Eligible applicants include: Public health professionals Mental health practitioners and advocates Policy professionals Civil society actors Researchers and programme implementers Persons with lived experience of mental health conditions There are no restrictions based on gender, organisation type, or professional background. Applicants are expected to demonstrate: Commitment to improving mental health outcomes Interest in leadership, advocacy, and systems change Capacity to apply learning within their organisation or community Application Requirements Applicants must complete the online registration form and provide the required information and supporting documents. Information required includes: Personal and contact details Country of residence Professional background and organisational affiliation Short written responses addressing: Background and work related to mental health Motivation for attending the course Anticipated benefits to the applicant’s organisation and community Supporting document: A copy of a valid passport (PDF or image format, maximum 10 MB) Applicants must also confirm their full availability from 2–13 March 2026, as attendance for the entire duration of the course is mandatory. Selection Process Applications will be reviewed by the MHLP selection team based on: Relevance of the applicant’s background to mental health leadership and advocacy Quality and clarity of written responses Potential for impact at organisational, community, or policy level Alignment with the objectives of the MHLP Successful applicants will be notified following the review process. Key Dates Application deadline: 31 January 2026 Course dates: 2–13 March 2026 Location: University of Zimbabwe, Harare Apply Now The Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Course offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, strengthen advocacy capacity, and contribute to advancing mental health systems across Africa. Interested candidates are encouraged to complete the registration form before the deadline and clearly indicate their scholarship preference. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hosting organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible 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.