By Tuwilika Nafuka
Nigeria has always been on my bucket list, but I wanted to go with a purpose, and this was it.
Since 19 February 2025, I’ve been part of the Bingwa PLUS Y-Health Incubation Programme, an extension of the African Union’s Bingwa initiative. The programme empowers young Africans aged 18–35 to address public health challenges through innovation, mentorship, and funding.
The journey began with 50 participants from across Africa in a six-week virtual training (Phase 1), and I was honored to be among the top 30 selected for Phase 2: the in-person pitch event held in Abuja, Nigeria, from May 27 to 30, 2025.
Representing Namibia at this event was a proud moment. I joined fellow health innovators and impactors from over 25 African countries, including Zambia, Uganda, Mali, The Gambia, Tanzania, South Sudan, Madagascar, South Africa, Somalia, Botswana, Kenya, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and more. The energy, diversity, and shared mission among us were inspiring.
Bingwa PLUS, building on the foundation of the original Bingwa Initiative, focuses on priority health areas including mental health, digital health, and non-communicable diseases, recognizing the crucial role youth play in shaping Africa’s health future. The program has not only sharpened our skills but also created a powerful network of youth-led solutions and changemakers.
I pitched my project under TupaBloom Care, which focuses on improving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education among Namibian youth. Our solution uses WhatsApp and gamified content to deliver youth-friendly SRHR information and includes the development of a national SRHR provider directory, helping young people find accessible, stigma-free services.
This project is especially timely. Namibia is currently facing backlash and public concern regarding SRHR topics, ranging from myths about intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) to skepticism about the upcoming HPV vaccine rollout by the Ministry of Health and Social Services. These challenges emphasize the importance of trusted, youth-centered health communication.
A personal highlight of the program was finally meeting our mentors and programme leads in person after months of virtual interactions: Dr. Chrys Promesse Kaniki (Africa CDC), Lan Huong Le (GIZ), and Rotimi Olawale (Youth Hub Africa). Their guidance was instrumental.
I also want to acknowledge the incredible support from Peter Ogah, Program Officer at Youth Hub Africa, Tanda Bibiana Bienka’a, Youth and Gender Consultant at Africa CDC and Metasebiya Ayele Mamo, Youth Engagement Advisor with GIZ and the African Union, who helped shape our experience as young leaders.
We also visited the Nigeria Health Watch headquarters in Abuja, where we learned about their media and advocacy work across Africa. It was a powerful networking opportunity and opened up conversations about how we can scale and strengthen our initiatives.
Beyond the technical training, what I valued most was the connection with fellow participants. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we all face similar health challenges. It’s the context that differs. This realization emphasized the importance of collaboration, we must stop working in silos. I now see these innovators as future collaborators, not competitors.
The Bingwa PLUS experience has reignited my passion for public health innovation and deepened my belief in the power of youth-led change. I return home ready to implement what I’ve learned and continue improving SRHR outcomes for Namibian youth.
To any young person considering Bingwa PLUS, I say: do it! Your idea matters. Your voice matters. There’s no such thing as a “too small” initiative. Learn. Lead. Impact.
*Tuwilika Nafuka is a Medical Doctor, Africa CDC Bingwa PLUS and DHSA fellow, and a champion for digital health transformation. She is passionate about harnessing technology to advance health equity and strengthen community access to essential services across Namibia and beyond.
