Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership & Advocacy Course 2026 (Fully Funded Scholarships Available)

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has opened applications for the Mental Health Leadership & Advocacy Course 2026, delivered under its Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP).

Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) will sponsor public health professionals, mental health enthusiast and persons with lived experience with innovative projects to strengthen mental health systems in Africa to attend the course in Harare, Zimbabwe.

About the Mental Health Leadership & Advocacy Course

MHLP is a three-year flagship programme aimed at preparing leaders  to apply multifaceted approaches to understand and address mental health on the continent through a public health and human rights lens, to influence mental health policy, legislation and practice at all levels of the healthcare systems.

Course Dates and Location

• Course Duration: 2 – 13 March 2026

• Host Institution: University of Zimbabwe

• Location: Harare, Zimbabwe

Who Should Apply

The course is open to professionals involved in mental health policy, advocacy, research, and service delivery within African Union Member States.

Ideal candidates include:

• Mental health practitioners

• Public health professionals

• Policymakers and government officials

• Civil society and NGO leaders

• Advocates working in mental health and psychosocial support

Scholarships and Funding

• Scholarships are available through Africa CDC

• Financial support may cover participation costs for selected candidates

• Scholarship availability makes the program accessible to participants across Africa

Key Benefits of the Program

Participants will:

• Strengthen leadership skills for mental health systems development

• Gain advocacy tools to influence mental health policy and funding

• Network with mental health leaders across Africa

• Learn from experts affiliated with Africa CDC and partner institutions

• Contribute to strengthening mental health systems in AU Member States

Application Deadline

• Deadline: 31 January 2026

Early application is strongly encouraged due to limited slots.

How to Apply for Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Course 2026

Interested candidates should complete the online application form using the link below:

Apply here: https://forms.gle/4m7paNG7xEVFuUnN8

Contact Information

For further enquiries, applicants may contact:

• Email: mhlp@africacdc.org

• Alternative Email: bazoedube@gmail.com

Good luck!