In the uncertain months of 2020, as the world came to a standstill and health systems were tested beyond limits, a quiet revolution began led not by institutions, but by the youth. It started with a question: What if young people could do more than survive the moment? What if they could transform it?
That question became the heartbeat of Youth Health Africa (YHA), a youth-led organisation co-founded by Danai Nyagani, built on the belief that young people are not just recipients of development, they are the engine that drives it.
“We saw young people eager to serve, to lead, to show up for their communities, So, we created a platform where they could do exactly that, be seen, valued, and equipped for it.” says Danai, reflecting on the early days of YHA.
Danai Nyagani, Aurum Programme Manager and YHA Co-Founder
What began as an idea quickly turned into action. Since then, over 5,700 youth have been placed across South Africa, working in clinics, supporting research, and becoming health ambassadors who strengthen the very communities they call home.
Through powerful partnerships with organisations like the Youth Employment Service (YES) and the Mastercard Foundation, YHA launched a flagship programme that placed youth in healthcare facilities. These young people didn’t just fill gaps, they brought fresh energy, empathy, and innovation to public health systems stretched thin.
Whether welcoming patients at the reception desk, managing clinic data, or conducting community outreach, they became the heartbeat of a more responsive, youth-informed health system.
And the ripple effect? Over 20% of these youth went on to secure long-term employment in sectors ranging from health to administration and even management. For many, YHA was not just a stepping stone, it was a springboard.
One of YHA’s most inspiring partnerships has been with The Aurum Institute, where youth have stepped into vital roles in both implementation and research. In the DOLPHIN Moms Clinical Study, which supports HIV-positive mothers and their babies, YHA alumni played key roles in community mobilisation, logistics, and data analysis.
For Danai, this isn’t just a success story, it’s the story of how trust, training, and belief can turn youth into health leaders.
“Our youth didn’t just assist in a study, they helped uphold its integrity. They brought their stories, their commitment, and their deep understanding of their communities. That’s the magic of youth-led change.” She added.
As Youth Health Africa marks five years since its founding, its impact remains undeniable: empowering a generation to lead healthier, stronger, and more equitable communities. While operations are currently being curtailed, the spirit and achievements of YHA continue to inspire.
This Youth Day, YHA stands not only as a youth development organisation, but as a movement, proof that when young people are given a chance, they don’t just rise; they lift others with them. The legacy lives on in the lives, careers, and communities shaped by those who are part of this journey.
