The Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership & Advocacy Course 2026 is now open for applications, offering a unique, fully immersive leadership training for public health professionals, mental health advocates, and people with lived experience across Africa.
Organised under the Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, this flagship course will take place 2–13 March 2026 at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare, Zimbabwe.
About the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP)
The Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) is a three-year continental flagship initiative designed to prepare a new generation of African leaders to strengthen mental health systems across the continent.
The programme adopts a public health and human rights–based approach, equipping participants to:
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Understand mental health challenges in Africa from systemic and equity perspectives
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Influence mental health policy, legislation, and financing
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Strengthen leadership for mental health systems reform
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Drive advocacy at community, national, and continental levels
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Translate evidence into policy and practice
MHLP supports innovative, impact-driven leaders committed to advancing mental health within healthcare systems and broader development agendas.
Course Overview: Mental Health Leadership & Advocacy Course 2026
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Course Dates: 2–13 March 2026
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Location: University of Zimbabwe, Harare
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Format: In-person, intensive leadership and advocacy training
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Host: Africa CDC – Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP)
This course is designed to build practical leadership, advocacy, and systems-strengthening skills, with a strong focus on African contexts and solutions.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to:
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Public health professionals
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Mental health practitioners and advocates
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Policy actors and programme implementers
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Civil society leaders
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Persons with lived experience of mental health conditions
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Mental health enthusiasts with innovative ideas or projects
Participants should demonstrate a strong commitment to strengthening mental health systems in Africa.
Scholarships & Sponsorship
🎓 Scholarships are available, including:
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Africa CDC–sponsored scholarships
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Self-sponsored participation
Applicants must clearly indicate their preferred option when completing the application form.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the official registration form and specify whether they are applying for:
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Africa CDC scholarship support, or
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Self-sponsored participation
🔗 Application Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhcflsXzZj1fEfUkiOncvWUHJl8vrb9dATUq53KAbsmsw-LQ/viewform
Key Dates
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Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
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Course Period: 2–13 March 2026
Why Apply?
By joining the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership & Advocacy Course, participants will:
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Strengthen their leadership impact in mental health
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Join a growing pan-African network of mental health leaders
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Gain tools to influence policy, legislation, and practice
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Contribute to resilient, inclusive, and rights-based mental health systems in Africa
Start 2026 by strengthening your leadership impact.
Apply now to the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership & Advocacy Course 2026 and be part of Africa’s next generation of mental health leaders.
APPLY HERE
