11 - 13 December 2024, Yaoundé, Cameroon - “Teamwork is the secret that makes common people achieve uncommon results” became a recurring message throughout a pivotal three-day meeting hosted by Y+ Global and the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to refine the Engagement Plan to drive meaningful youth representation in Global Fund processes over the next three years.
This event united stakeholders from Civil Societies for Malaria Elimination (CS4ME), the National Network of Positive Youth in Cameroon (RECAJ+), youth-led organisations, and members of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM). The diverse voices of representatives highlighted the importance of prioritising the needs and leadership of young people living with and most affected by HIV, Malaria, and TB and their meaningful engagement in national Global Fund processes.
The meeting was also an important platform for building the capacity of youth-led networks, strengthening their understanding of the Global Fund processes and improving their ability to meaningfully engage in decision-making. Participants learned how to influence proposal development, monitor implementation, and advocate for the inclusion of youth priorities in national health strategies.
“This meeting forms a crucial part of the Y2Y (Youth to Youth) Consortium's ongoing initiative to spearhead efforts in Cameroon, with the support of national networks, to strengthen the meaningful engagement of young people in national health responses and ensure that they, along with decision-makers, are actively engaged in setting priorities and driving lasting change."Gabriella Romero
Senior Programmes Officer at Y+ Global
This prompted further discussions that revealed obstacles such as restricted access to information, challenges in CCM representation, and the gap between young people's needs and current priorities. These issues evolved into opportunities for solutions, enabling participants to collaboratively develop strategies to raise their voices in the upcoming years.
"This collaboration was transformative, highlighting that involving young people drives genuine progress. We have a duty to share our experiences and make sure no young person is ever left behind."Maxime Bivina
Executive Director of RECAJ+
Participants emphasised the need for youth representation in decision-making spaces, collaborative data-driven advocacy, and innovative outreach programs that address stigma, healthcare barriers, and the realities faced by young people in diverse settings. Youth-led organisations recognised their role in advancing this plan, strengthening their networks, and advocating for meaningful changes that directly impact young people.
The main outcomes of this event included a shared agreement among stakeholders and young people to enhance the strengths of youth-led networks within the Global Fund processes. They also co-designed practical activities to link rural communities with these networks.
Furthermore, CCM members renewed their commitment to support the Engagement Plan jointly crafted by the partners. It provides youth networks and CCM representatives with actionable, innovative solutions and approaches for fostering ethical and inclusive youth participation in the Global Fund processes. National youth-led organisations also pledged to take the lead on its execution.
"The revised plan speaks to the realities young people face every day. It was great to reflect on our challenges and solutions together. This is what youth-led, ethical engagement looks like, meaningful, action-driven, and impactful."Fidele Bemadoum
Senior Civil Society Engagement Officer at CS4ME
"Being part of this process made me feel seen and heard. It’s not just about sitting in meetings; it’s about creating solutions that work for young people like me. Now we have a plan reflecting our needs and challenges."Kishiana
Youth Representative for CAGEAD
The meeting in Cameroon showcased how collaboration between youth and decision-makers can lead to impactful results. The revised Engagement Plan illustrates the advantages of teamwork, meaningful engagement, and active participation in these initiatives. It emphasises that young people's voices do more than just ‘join the conversation'—they actively drive efforts to tackle emerging issues and public health crises.
"This was such an important space to connect and build something concrete. The collaboration between CCMs, CAGEAD, RECAJ+, and youth-led organisations gives us a clear path forward. From here, we can ensure that young people living with and most affected by HIV and TB are truly part of the Global Fund processes."Assumta
Programmes Officer for CAGEAD
Through ongoing collaboration, support, and dedication, this Engagement Plan can change how young people influence and shape global funding initiatives and health systems, promoting inclusivity for all. At Y+ Global, we are steadfast in ensuring the smooth execution of Y2Y activities. This includes assisting national networks in implementing the plan, allowing young people to remain active in important discussions while also offering a platform for CCM members and youth to connect, share insights, and develop a united vision for sustainable youth-led responses to HIV and malaria TB.
About Youth to Youth (Y2Y)
The Youth to Youth (Y2Y) Consortium is a collaborative initiative comprising three regional and global partner organisations: Youth LEAD, Y+ Global, and Youth Organisation for Drug Addiction (YODA). The consortium was formed in early 2024 to align and strategise efforts for the upcoming three-year collaboration under the Global Fund’s community engagement strategic initiative (CE SI). The community engagement strategic initiative (CE SI) aims to strengthen the engagement and leadership of communities most affected by HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria in Global Fund and related national processes.