Amplifying African Youth Voices in Digital Health Governance | Akisarl Lynn-Everdene at the Digital Transformations for Health Lab

Over the Last one year I had the privilege of being selected as one of the 10 people across the globe serving as the Regional Youth Champion for various regions . I represented Sub-Saharan Africa Region with the Digital Transformations for Health Lab. It was an eye-opening experience to be the first Cameroonian and youngest fellow in the program.

The DTH-LAB is a global consortium of partners which aim to achieve the Lancet Financial times commission of governing health futures 2030 at is hosted by the University of Geneva in Switzerland.

As an RYC, I serve as a key partner in achieving the lab's goal by acting as a bridge between young people, and policy makers. My role is to amplify youth voices in the region, putting their perspectives, expectations as young people growing in a digital world.

During this program, I have been very much exposed to learning more about my region the challenges faced and why young people should be at the center to better build stronger health systems that promote digital health well-being.

Following our numerous activities of the program (Articles, webinars, focus group discussions, Blueprint reports, innovation spotlights and partnership building)

We were able to have an annual meeting in New Delhi, India were we finally met in person after working together for a year. This annual meeting was hosted by Ashoka University, India a partner with the DTH-Lab and the Lab fully funded RYCs to attend.

During these meetings, we reflected on our one-year roles as youth Champions, achievement in our region's, challenges and how to shape the way forward for the region.

On day two, we discussed how to shape the next cohort.

This was an amazing experience for me to experience Indian culture, dishes, hospitality and visit their amazing touristic sites.

As my term comes to an end, I am grateful to have been the first Cameroon on the program, representing a region as vast as Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Akisarl Lynn-Everdene | FMBS Yaounde | Open Dreams