Youth advocacy is becoming a stronger and more effective manifestation of community participation in shaping global health policies, including those related to malaria. Furthermore, we are increasingly witnessing positive change and investments through a growing youth voice, which promotes youth-led advocacy. In addition, young people are now showing greater leadership in advocating for policy, as well as communicating change and mobilizing community action at the core of health solutions. The energy, creativity, and diversity of views young people bring to malaria prevention program implementation are important drivers for more sustainable health outcomes, particularly when policy changes are required. In this discussion, we consider the importance of youth advocacy in malaria prevention describe recent success stories of youth-led advocacy and engagement, and share some suggestions for better policy change.
The Power of Youth Advocacy in Global Health
It speaks to youth advocacy – the meaningful participation of young people in the process of shaping policies and practices concerning health and development. These young advocates can bring fresh insights – and a special kind of urgency – to the problems they care about, in this case, the prevention of malaria. Their involvement can spark innovation, heighten public engagement, and improve the accountability of health programs.
1. Raising Awareness and Mobilizing Communities
Young people are particularly good at the use of digital platforms and social media to amplify the calls to action for health, whether these programs are online or in the field. They can use their peer interactions, and the insights that they can generate from those interactions, to spread the word and register their concern. This mobilization of communities is vital to raising awareness about prevention.
For example, the ‘Youth Against Malaria’ campaign, launched by young activists in eastern Africa, used social media and community meetings to educate people about the benefits of ITS (insecticide-treated nets) and IRS (indoor residual spraying). This led to increased community activities and increased use of the nets.
2. Driving Policy Change
Through policy advocacy, youth advocates increase the visibility of young people in malaria policy. Although their involvement won’t bring governments and international organizations to their doorstep, it tends to make those advocating for malaria prevention focus more on their needs, while also making policies more inclusive and evidence-based.
For instance, The “Global Youth Coalition Against Malaria” (GYCAM) has advocated for increased spending on malaria prevention initiatives and youth involvement in policymaking at the national and international levels.
3. Innovating Solutions
The answers often arise from young people, who can bring new thinking to the problem of malaria, including new lines of communication, new community approaches, and new technology.
For example, a group of Kenyan entrepreneurs designed a mobile phone app that charts malaria symptoms, offers information on malaria prevention, and locates the nearest clinics. Access to health resources has been increased and malaria prevention has been enhanced through this innovation.
Successful Youth-Led Initiatives
Several youth programs have demonstrated the potential for youth engagement to save lives. These types of initiatives further illustrate the power of youth advocacy to save lives:
1. Youth Malaria Champions Program
The Malaria Consortium’s Youth Malaria Champions Program, with support from the UK government’s Department for International Development, uses a similar strategy. The Champions train other young people in their rural Kiambu and Nairobi communities to be advocates for malaria and teach them about malaria, advocacy around policy, and communication skills, then task them with running campaigns to raise awareness about malaria, and to engage with decision-makers to improve the delivery of ITNs.
Outcome: The program has enhanced malaria awareness and ITN distribution in several countries. Youth advocates have led movements for community mobilization and have influenced local and national health policies.
2. Student-Led Research and Advocacy
Young researchers and undergraduates have gathered data that inform malaria prevention and -treatment strategies. Their research has exposed gaps in existing programs and often leads to changes in policy.
Example: A team of University of Ghana students examined the relative effectiveness of different malaria control measures. They published the results of their analysis, which was used to advocate for more targeted and cost-effective malaria control measures in the region.
3. Youth Advocacy Networks
Examples include the Global Youth Network for Malaria, which brings together young people from around the world to strengthen youth engagement in malaria prevention through knowledge exchange, joint campaigns, and coordinated advocacy.
Impact: Networks such as this have helped young advocates influence international health policies and create funding streams for the malaria-prevention programs of their choice. They are multiplying youth voices in global health.
Strategies for Enhancing Youth Advocacy in Malaria Prevention
By tactics, young people could have a substantial impact as malaria ambassadors:
1. Strengthening Education and Training
The knowledge that youth acquire through training in malaria prevention, policy advocacy, and public health, in addition to necessary research and communication skills, will make them more effective in their advocacy work. Training should include leadership development.
For example: Through public health advocacy malaria prevention workshops and online courses, youth advocates can gain knowledge and acquire tools to take action.
2. Building Partnerships and Collaborations
Young activists can take advantage of already existing institutions such as governments, international bodies, and NGOs to amplify their voices, providing access to resources, expertise, and policy influence.
Example: Young people’s organizations can advise and help to shape the work of organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Fund (for example, on sexual and reproductive health issues), by sharing knowledge, participating in policy dialogues, and helping to implement programs.
3. Utilizing Digital Platforms
Digital platforms and social media provide powerful tools for youth advocacy. Youth are better able to spread their ideas, mobilize public opinion, and reach out to decision-makers when their voices are well-spread with the help of technology. Technology gives their action wider reach and more significant results.
For example: social media campaigns, online petition initiatives, and digital storytelling can be used by young people to raise awareness of malaria, as well as call for policy changes.
4. Promoting Local and Global Advocacy
Providing opportunities for youth involvement, locally and within a global context, will ensure that malaria control is integrated and inclusive. Local advocacy will allow youth to target policies and practices specific to their communities; Global advocacy will allow youth to influence the development of international policies and funding.
For instance: Public health advocates can present about malaria at local health fairs and community meetings, and they can also speak and lobby at international forums and conferences to impact global health policy.
5. Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Assigning a youth engagement committee at the district level to identify young inventors and encourage them to seek materials and support to develop innovations that avail cheaper and safer preventive methods against malaria could open a new vista in the prevention and control of this disease. Youth entrepreneurship and financing schemes and micro-credits for malaria-related ideas could also save lives.
For instance: Programs aimed at youthful inventors who are working on new tools for malaria prevention can provide a spur of funding in the form of grants and competitions.
Young people’s advocacy can serve as a vital catalyst for change in malaria prevention programs. With their innovative thinking, fresh energy, and creative ideas, young people can influence policymaking and drive global action. Additionally, they can raise awareness about the burden of the disease among their peers and develop next-generation solutions. By giving youth a stronger voice through education, partnerships, digital engagement, and support for innovation, we can truly transform our approach to malaria prevention. This empowerment not only has the potential to enhance the scale of actions taken but also to sustain health gains over the long term. Ultimately, engaging young people in these ways will lead to more effective and lasting solutions in the fight against malaria.
With the help of these youth champions, our response to malaria can be even more resilient and effective, and we can contribute to a time when malaria is no longer a crippling force on global health. By empowering young people to take action and become agents of change for malaria, we can ultimately contribute to achieving lasting solutions and create a healthier, more equitable world for all generations to come. Moreover, this engagement ensures that the voices of youth are heard and valued in the global health dialogue.
