In 2020, a group of passionate young activists – concerned about persistent inequities in healthcare and the slow pace of digital transformation – came together to establish Young Experts: Tech for Health (YET4H) – a youth-led platform that aimed to empower young people to interrogate the status quo and shape inclusive, equitable digital health systems. 

Born out of a pioneering research project by Fondation Botnar in collaboration with Women Deliver, YET4H began as a Youth Advisory Council before evolving into a dedicated initiative that championed innovative campaigns like “Humans of Digital Health” and drove change in health policy and governance.

“I had yet to see an initiative that truly empowered youth to take part in decision-making on this critical issue at the global level. YET4H stepped in to fill that gap, creating a space where young people are not just included but meaningfully engaged in digital health conversations, both locally and globally. With the support of allies at Transform Health and Fondation Botnar, we were able to transform YET4H from an initial advisory group into a fully-fledged youth initiative” said Richard Dzikunu, one of the founding members of YET4H and the network’s first Youth Officer.

YET4H quickly established itself as a leading youth voice on digital health, with members frequently representing young people’s perspectives at global and regional events. For instance, at the December 2020 Lives in the Balance Summit on the eve of Universal Health Coverage Day, YET4H’s Danielle Mullings underscored the transformative potential of digital tools in empowering young people and urged global leaders to prioritise youth inclusion in the digital health response.

As a result of our engagement efforts, YET4H members were increasingly invited to contribute to influential publications, such as the Lancet and Financial Times Commission on Governing Health Futures 2030 and participate in global events such as Lives in the Balance Summit: Improving the Health of Women, Children and Adolescents through UHC. These opportunities enabled young voices to shape digital health discourse among leading institutions including the World Health Organization, national governments, prominent think tanks, and international NGOs like CORE Group and PMNCH.

In 2024, recognising the need for a more integrated approach, YET4H was formally incorporated into Transform Health as its official youth network. Today, YET4H stands as a dynamic stage for youth-led organisations within the coalition’s six national coalitions where youth-led organisations from Kenya, Ecuador, Senegal, India, Indonesia, and Mexico can articulate their unique priorities and fuel transformative digital health strategies. Through extensive stakeholder mapping, listening sessions, and collaborative consultations, we have charted a clear pathway for youth leadership – igniting innovation and championing an inclusive, equitable digital health ecosystem that promises a brighter future for all.

 

Where We Are Going

We asked young people what digital health meant to them. They told us they’re not just excited about technology – they’re passionate about using digital health to transform healthcare from the ground up. Their key concerns? Ensuring robust health data privacy, integrating digital health solutions seamlessly into existing systems, and creating platforms where their voices directly influence policy. Amid these challenges, they see a future where digital health empowers communities, drives equitable healthcare access, and transforms lives. These insights reveal not only the urgency of a digital health revolution but also the boundless potential of youth to lead this change.

Young people are not content with merely having a seat at the table – they are ready to lead the charge in redefining digital health for the future. They are determined to reshape the digital health landscape by demanding better legislation, equitable funding, and comprehensive regulation to safeguard health data and bridge the digital divide. Our conversations reveal a powerful vision: a future where digital health serves everyone, ensuring that technology empowers communities rather than excludes them.

“The future of healthcare is digital, for some this future is already here, we are committed to ensuring that the promise of digital health offers is extended to everyone so that we can achieve UHC as fast as possible.” Ruweida Ali, Founder , Dream Achievers, Youth CBO

These young leaders are committed to creating impact – they envision a world where healthcare is not dictated by the interests of the few but driven by the collective needs of all. They are set on influencing policy, advancing capacity-building initiatives, and leading transformative advocacy campaigns like #MyDataOurHealth. In doing so, they aim to build an inclusive, equitable, and rights-based digital health ecosystem that they will inherit and lead.

“Digital health is not just about technology – it’s about empowering every voice to shape a healthcare system that serves us all. Our mission is to ensure that policies and innovations reflect the real needs of our communities, not just the few at the top.” Margaret Wanjiru, Executive Director, Youth Sustainable Chapter

YET4H is ready for this new chapter that will increase the engagement of young people in decision making processes related to the digital transformation of health systems and the use of data. At Transform Health, our youth network is not just planning to participate; we are building a movement. Our upcoming initiatives will build on the work of Transform Health at the national level and create clear pathways for youth-led organisations to engage in policy dialogues, contribute to national digital health roadmaps, and take part in global working groups that shape international digital health standards. 

We have been asking young people what they are keen to engage in. In Kenya, youth partners have expressed a desire to contribute to the implementation of the Digital Health Act 2023 and to lead community mobilisation efforts during Digital Health Week. 

 ‘Joining Transform Health’s youth network gives us the platform to make our voices heard in shaping health policies,’ – Solomon Wambua, Coordinator, KP Consortium

Young people are concerned with ensuring robust health data privacy, integrating digital health solutions seamlessly into existing systems, and creating platforms where their voices directly influence policy. Amid these challenges, they see a future where digital health empowers communities, drives equitable healthcare access, and transforms lives. These insights reveal not only the urgency of a digital health revolution but also the boundless potential of youth to lead this change.

“Young people are determined to secure a digital health future defined by robust health data governance, seamless technology integration, and platforms where our voices shape policy. We envision digital health that empowers communities, drives equitable care, and transforms lives – and our generation is ready to lead this revolution.” Moses Dianga, Program Officer, Youth Alive Kenya

In Ecuador, emerging leaders are keen to co-implement a Digital Health Curriculum that aligns with modern health education needs. The insights we gathered through our consultations with young people have shaped our strategic priorities:

 

How We Are Planning To Get There

We invite all youth organisations to join us on this exciting journey towards 2030, and to ensure digital health and the use of data accelerate universal health coverage and lay the foundations for our common future. There are different ways young people can participate in the Transform Health Youth Network: 

  1. Joining the Network:
    • Youth-led organisations can access knowledge exchange platforms, peer learning sessions, and tailored capacity-building programmes.
  2. Supporting national coalitions work:
    • Organisations will have the opportunity to integrate youth perspectives into policy discussions, contribute to digital health roadmaps, and participate in advocacy initiatives such as the MyDataOurHealth campaign.
  3. Global engagement:
  4. New partnership opportunities:
    • We are establishing clear criteria for membership and encouraging new organisations to join through our streamlined Expression of Interest process.
    • Our expanded Youth Network Strategy, developed in collaboration with an external consultant, will guide our recruitment and engagement efforts, ensuring sustained impact and leadership opportunities.

“Being part of YET4H gives us the opportunity to influence digital health policy and drive real change. By collaborating with passionate peers across national coalitions, we can bridge gaps in our health systems and ensure that digital innovation benefits everyone.”- Ezekiel Bakari, Programs Lead, Pwani Youth Network

 

Ready to shape the future of digital health?
Submit your Expression of Interest here