The Young Professionals in Public Health Programme (YPPH) is a flagship initiative of African Public Health (APH) designed to nurture, equip, and empower the next generation of public health leaders in West Africa. The programme responds to the growing need for a skilled, agile, and practice-oriented public health workforce capable of addressing complex health challenges across the region. YPPH is structured to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world public health practice. By combining leadership development, technical training, mentorship, and experiential learning, the programme enables young professionals to build the competencies, confidence, and networks required to thrive in public health careers and contribute meaningfully to population health outcomes. Programme Purpose and Vision The YPPH programme is anchored in the belief that sustainable public health systems depend on well-trained, ethically grounded, and socially responsive professionals. Its core objectives are to: Strengthen public health leadership capacity in West Africa Promote hands-on, practice-oriented learning beyond the classroom Enhance health literacy and evidence-based communication Build a pipeline of young professionals prepared for leadership, policy, and programme implementation roles The programme targets individuals who have recently graduated or are in the early stages of their public health careers, offering them structured opportunities to deepen their understanding of public health principles while applying their skills in practical, real-world contexts. Programme Structure and Pathways To ensure a robust, inclusive, and stratified capacity-building approach, APH delivers YPPH through three complementary programme streams. Each stream is tailored to specific career stages and professional needs, while remaining interconnected to foster mentorship, peer learning, and collaborative growth. 1. Design, Equity, Action and Leadership Fellowship (DEAL) The DEAL Fellowship is an advanced leadership and professional development track designed for experienced young public health professionals. Target group Ages 30–40 years Minimum of five years post-graduation experience, or three years with a master’s degree Key focus areas Leadership development and strategic thinking Equity-driven public health design and action Mentorship and institutional capacity support Programme approach Fellows participate in intensive leadership coaching through structured training and mentoring The fellowship adopts an extractive-engagement model, leveraging fellows’ expertise while strengthening institutional programmes DEAL Fellows provide professional and technical support to: Virtual Internship Programme participants Health Literacy and Leadership Programme cohorts Through this approach, the DEAL Fellowship strengthens leadership at the top while reinforcing capacity at entry and mid-career levels within the YPPH ecosystem. 2. Health Literacy and Leadership Programme (HLLP) The Health Literacy and Leadership Programme (HLLP) focuses on strengthening public health communication and advocacy. Target group Ages 25–35 years Young public health professionals and journalists Programme objectives Build strong advocates for health literacy as a pillar of public health Strengthen public engagement and evidence-informed health communication Support progress toward universal health coverage Key components Training in health communication, advocacy, and leadership Practical skills for translating public health evidence into accessible information Engagement with media, communities, and policy-relevant platforms HLLP positions participants as credible voices who can influence public understanding, policy dialogue, and behaviour change across West Africa. 3. Virtual Internship Programme (VIP) The Virtual Internship Programme (VIP) is an innovative, fully online initiative designed to expand access to public health training for young graduates. Target group Recent graduates and early-career professionals Programme design Delivered primarily online, reflecting the evolving nature of public health work Focuses on remote collaboration, digital learning, and virtual mentorship Key objectives Improve youth access to public health education Increase regional health literacy and practical skills Provide meaningful professional exposure without geographical barriers Impact More than 150 young people across West Africa have benefited from the programme Participants gain practical experience in public health research, communication, and programme support The VIP strengthens entry-level capacity while promoting inclusive participation across the region. Regional Impact and Long-Term Value Collectively, the YPPH programme pathways create a dynamic pipeline of public health talent. By integrating leadership development, health literacy, and digital innovation, APH ensures that young professionals are not only knowledgeable, but also adaptable, ethical, and impact-driven. The programme contributes to: A stronger public health workforce in West Africa Improved health communication and community engagement Increased youth participation in public health leadership Sustainable mentorship and peer-learning networks 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 fellowship 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.