AstraZeneca invests more than US$100M in Young Health Programme through 2030
Under the partnership, AstraZeneca and UNICEF will train and support 5,000 young people to take part in NCD prevention activities and youth-led health initiatives.
EGYPT – AstraZeneca will invest more than US$100 million in its Young Health Programme (YHP) from 2010 to 2030 to advance health equity among young people in more than 60 countries.
In Egypt, the company is partnering with UNICEF on a five-year initiative to help young people aged 10 to 19 prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs), promote healthier environments and respond to the health effects of climate change.
The programme will use awareness campaigns, youth engagement and youth-responsive services to strengthen prevention and participation.
Expanding youth-focused health services
Under the partnership, AstraZeneca and UNICEF will train and support 5,000 young people to take part in NCD prevention activities and youth-led health initiatives.
The programme will also equip 250 schools and 500 youth centres with youth-responsive services.
In addition, 1,500 teachers, 500 youth officers and coaches, and 1,000 outreach stakeholders will receive training to improve their ability to support young people and promote NCD prevention.
The initiative will focus on building practical knowledge and creating environments where young people can make informed health choices.
The partnership forms part of a broader effort to address NCD risk factors earlier in life.
Behaviours established during adolescence can influence health outcomes in adulthood, making schools, youth centres and community programmes important settings for prevention.
Building on 15 years of global activity
The new phase builds on 15 years of the YHP, which AstraZeneca says has directly reached 23 million young people across more than 60 countries.
During this period, the programme trained more than 1 million people and supported youth advocates whose activities contributed to 29 laws and policies.
A study by RTI International found that the programme generated US$4.30 in social return for every US$1 invested.
AstraZeneca plans to extend the programme to an additional 10 million young people globally by 2030, train 800,000 youth advocates, and support efforts that could influence 17 public policies.
The programme is expanding as NCDs continue to account for most deaths globally.
AstraZeneca said 70% of premature adult deaths are linked to behaviours that begin during adolescence.
It also cited projections that NCDs could account for 86% of annual deaths worldwide by 2050, representing a 90% increase from 2019 levels.
Focus on prevention and climate responsiveness
Sherif Nour, Country President of AstraZeneca Egypt, said investment in young people can help advance health equity and create lasting benefits for communities.
He added that the partnership with UNICEF will build on the YHP’s work in Egypt by reaching more young people, strengthening youth-led action and supporting advocacy for healthier communities.
Natalia Winder Rossi, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, said investment in young people’s health and wellbeing can influence their health throughout their lives.
She added that the partnership will strengthen prevention, expand youth-responsive support and give young people greater opportunities to advocate for healthier lives.
Globally, AstraZeneca is working with more than 60 non-governmental organisations, including One Young World and YHP founding partner Plan International.
From 2026 to 2030, the programme will focus on youth-led action, health equity and climate responsiveness, alongside efforts to strengthen healthy behaviours, health services and policy engagement.
The Egypt partnership therefore links adolescent health promotion with wider public health priorities, including NCD prevention, community engagement and the health implications of climate change.
Be the first to leave a comment