African Union COVID-19 Vaccination Bingwa initiative
Introduction
Are you a passionate young leader from Southern or Western Africa ready to combat vaccine hesitancy and drive Africa’s COVID-19 recovery? The African Union’s Bingwa Initiative seeks dynamic individuals to serve as vaccination champions within their communities. If you’re eager to make a difference in public health, this opportunity could be your launchpad!
About the Bingwa Initiative: Empowering Youth in Public Health
Launched in 2022 by the African Union Commission (AUC) and Africa CDC, the COVID-19 Vaccination Bingwa Initiative (meaning “champion” in Swahili) mobilizes young Africans to accelerate vaccine uptake across the continent. Bingwas engage their communities, dispelling misinformation and driving immunization efforts to protect both individuals and Africa’s future.
Who Should Apply: Are You a Future Bingwa?
Ideal candidates for this program possess:
- Citizenship & Residency: Within a participating Southern or Western African nation (listed below).
- Age: Between 18 and 35 years old.
- Education: Postsecondary qualification; bachelor’s or master’s degree an advantage.
- Experience: Community engagement and professional work background (prior public health exposure beneficial).
- Dedication: Ability to commit to a full 12-month term within your home country.
- Languages: Local language proficiency plus knowledge of at least one AU working language (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, Spanish).
- Vaccination Status: Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (proof required).
- Digital Skills: Solid MS Office skills and active social media presence.
Participating Countries
- Southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- Western Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.
Bingwa Responsibilities: Your Impact
The selected BINGWAs (champions) are expected to carry out the following responsibilities for up to one year:
- Community Mobilization: Develop engagement plans reaching friends, family, and beyond.
- Capacity Building: Help onboard community leaders as vaccination advocates.
- Youth-Driven Outreach: Organize activities that inspire young people to prioritize immunization.
- AU/Africa CDC Liaison: Act as a pivotal link between youth and official health bodies.
- Training & Documentation: Gain new skills while tracking your successes for program assessment.
Benefits: More Than Just an Experience
The Bingwa Initiative invests in your development as a public health leader:
- Professional Skill Growth: Receive expert training from AU/Africa CDC in risk communication, social behavior change, social media for impact, monitoring/evaluation, etc.
- Financial Support: A 12-month living allowance, plus coverage for program-related travel and training expenses.
- Network Expansion: Connect with like-minded professionals across Africa.
Timeline: Seize This Opportunity
- Application Deadline: 10th – 25th February 2023 (5:00 PM SAT)
- Notification: Successful applicants informed within two weeks of the deadline.
- Training Begins: March 20th (Southern Africa), April 10th (Western Africa)
How to Apply: Let Your Passion Shine
Submit your online application, clearly conveying:
- Motivation: Your driving reasons for becoming a Bingwa and unique insights on African vaccination challenges.
- Credentials: Proof of education, vaccination status, and a concise two-page CV.
Visit the official website for the African Union (AU) COVID-19 Vaccination Bingwa initiative for more information
Click here to access the application portal
