Nairobi,KENYA:The just concluded Africa Health Agenda International (AHAI) 2017 conference has ignited the passion of young people in pushing their agenda not only in the country but also the rest of the continent.
Titus Ndoyo, a young man who also happens to be an upcoming entrepreneur based in Mombasa county, blamed the government and the ministry of gender over the rampant unemployment in the country saying that “Long procedures” involved in the the application process for government funding opportunities was discouraging many of them from applying.
“We are ready to uplift the economy of our country and also to work extra hard so that we can provide for our families and be independent,but this is not what is happening in our country. Most of us are jobless and it’s difficult to access youth funds because of long procedures and restrictions that hinder us to get the said fund”. Said Ndoyo.
During the official opening of a pre- youths conference three weeks ago,Malawi’s first lady Dr. Gertrude Mutharika who is also the president of the Organization of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA),
assured the young people in the continent that their organization was very willing to empower them.
“I wish to assure you that as African first ladies as your mothers we have resolved to provide more support to you. We have agreed to give you more space to harness your potential”. She said.
She added that youths should be involved in decision making on matters of health and education. “We are committed to put young people at the center of all development agenda. This forum is the right platform for
the voices of young people to be heard”.
Margaret Kenyatta, the Kenyan first lady who also happens to be a member of OAFLA Steering
committee applauded Dr. Mutharika sentiments saying that youths should be included in matters of healthcare.
The Africa Health Agenda International (AHAI) 2017 conference took place from 7th to 9th March at the Radisson Blue hotel in Nairobi and the main theme for the year was Towards a Healthier Africa: People, Systems and Innovation.
