In honour of #BlackHistoryMonth and our 2024 campaign to #ReachEveryChild, Results Canada is paying tribute to 10 incredible young Black history-makers in global health, education, nutrition, climate, and gender equality throughout February. Delve into the inspiring stories of these young leaders who are rewriting the narrative and shaping the future through their unwavering commitment to transformative and participatory social justice. Join us in honouring them and their visions for a better future – and better history – for future generations.
Kenneth is a 28-year-old advocate for health in Africa. Born in Benin, he is working in Côte d'Ivoire as Head of Advocacy of Association de Soutien à l'Auto Promotion Sanitaire Urbaine (ASAPSU) in Côte d'Ivoire. He is also involved in the World Bank—hosted Global Financing Facility (GFF) as the Global Youth Platform co-chair and the youth representative at the GFF Investors' Group.
“Growing up in Africa, I have always noticed how hard it is for Africans to make their voices at the national and international levels,” says Kenneth. “Issues like health, education, poverty are always discussed without the main concerned and often not settled. This is why I am dedicated to be the voice of the ones without one on the health system strengthening various issues.”
Kenneth is passionate about securing equitable health funding for the most vulnerable communities and believes that youth need to be at the decision-making tables. He campaigns actively for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH-N) for all and especially for youth: “It involves considering their unique circumstances and context. It means empowering them to decide about their own future. It implies guaranteeing that every voice is heard and every need is met.”
Maxwell Mumba, a visionary 29-year-old Zambian food and nutrition activist, stands as a beacon of inspiration for young individuals committed to making a positive impact. Emerging from humble beginnings, Maxwell's dedication to addressing health issues within his community began in high school, where he actively engaged in clubs focused on raising awareness about the dangers of various health issues.
His journey into the nutrition industry gained momentum when he volunteered and received training at the local NGO CITAM Plus under the Real Change Fellow Program, dedicated to combating diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. Maxwell's exceptional work caught the attention of the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), leading to his selection as an educator and counselor for youth living with HIV/AIDS. On his very first day, he provided counsel to over 69 children, creating a safe space for them to openly share their struggles.
Maxwell's commitment transcended HIV/AIDS advocacy when he witnessed the devastating impact of malnutrition among children receiving antiretroviral drugs. Moved by the heartbreaking loss of an 18-month-old malnourished baby, he embarked on a mission to raise awareness about the critical importance of nutrition. Establishing outreach programs, Maxwell sensitized the community about healthy eating habits and emphasized the significance of the first 1,000 days of a baby's life. In a country where chronic malnutrition affects 40% of children under five, Maxwell passionately advocates for nutrition investment as the key to ending malnutrition in Zambia.
Despite facing challenges, Maxwell draws strength from his family's unwavering support and community feedback, highlighting the pivotal role of youth in shaping a brighter future. As the first Youth Leader for Nutrition in Zambia, Maxwell continues to inspire young people to be catalysts for positive change in their communities. His transformative impact has not gone unnoticed, as he proudly serves as a Unitaid community board delegation at the global level, further solidifying his commitment to creating a healthier and more equitable world through youth engagement in decision-making processes.
At just 35, Dr. Tefang Ingrid Estelle is a Cameroonian public health doctor with a doctorate in medical studies, a university diploma in epidemiological methods and practice, and a master's degree in public health with a specialization in epidemiology. She is currently studying for a master's degree in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. She is also an agricultural entrepreneur, growing cocoa!
For the past 7 years, Ingrid has been working on medical projects providing emergency humanitarian assistance and epidemiological surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases, mainly in crisis areas of Cameroon, where mortality rates are high due to epidemics. She provides primary health care and nutrition to refugees, internally displaced persons and vulnerable populations who have no access to it. She conducts epidemiological surveillance activities and responds to epidemics in crisis zones. Ingrid is also passionate about gender equality for employment opportunities in humanitarian assistance, and the fight against gender-based violence.
The project she is currently working on is providing emergency health care and nutrition to Nigerian refugees in the Minawao camp and surrounding vulnerable host communities affected by the Lake Chad Basin crisis, in the Far North region of Cameroon.
Our Black History Month profiles were drafted and edited in collaboration with the nominated individuals where and when possible. For further comments or questions, please reach out to us at communications@resultscanada.ca.
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