Applications are now open for the AstraZeneca Young Health Programme (YHP) Impact Fellowship 2026, an international opportunity designed to support young leaders who are driving solutions to improve health, environmental sustainability, and community wellbeing. The fellowship brings together emerging changemakers from around the world who are working through nonprofit organisations to address major health challenges affecting young people.

The initiative is implemented by AstraZeneca in collaboration with One Young World, and provides selected fellows with funding, mentorship, and a global platform to expand their impact. Fellows will also participate in the One Young World Summit 2026, which will be held in Cape Town from 3–6 November 2026.

The programme supports young leaders who are advancing innovative solutions in three key areas: improving health equity, strengthening health systems, and addressing the impacts of climate and environmental change on youth health.

About the Fellowship

The Young Health Programme Impact Fellowship aims to empower young advocates who are already leading initiatives that support healthier communities. Through financial support and professional development opportunities, the fellowship helps participants expand projects that prevent disease, strengthen health systems, and improve health outcomes for young people—especially those living in underserved communities.

Selected fellows will join a global network of youth leaders committed to advancing public health solutions and promoting sustainable development worldwide.

Fellowship Benefits

Participants selected for the 2026 fellowship will receive a range of opportunities and support designed to strengthen their leadership and expand the impact of their initiatives.

Access to Global Networks

• Membership in the One Young World Ambassador Network.

• Connection to the Young Health Programme alumni community of global changemakers.

Leadership Development

• Participation in structured training and learning sessions.

• Access to the One Young World Academy, a mini-MBA style leadership programme.

• Mentorship and professional guidance from AstraZeneca experts.

Project Funding

• Fellows may receive USD $10,000 in grant funding to support their project.

• One selected fellow will receive USD $50,000 through the Lead2030 challenge for SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing).

Grant funding will be provided to the fellow’s nonprofit organisation to implement a project between October 2026 and December 2027.

Applicants must also:

• Be founders or leaders of a registered nonprofit organisation.

• Represent organisations that have been operational for at least three years.

• Work with underserved or vulnerable communities.

• Be willing to collaborate with other fellows and serve as ambassadors of the Young Health Programme.

Financial eligibility requirements for organisations:

• For $10,000 grants: annual income between $10,000 and $1,000,000.

• For $50,000 grants: annual income between $100,000 and $2,000,000.

Organisations must also be able to provide documentation verifying their legal registration, governance, and financial status.

Project Focus Areas

Applicants must propose a 6–12 month project aligned with one of the following focus areas:

1. Health Equity
Projects that help prevent non-communicable diseases among young people by addressing major risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, and air pollution. Initiatives supporting young people living with rare diseases are also eligible.

2. Climate and Nature Action
Projects addressing environmental and climate challenges that affect youth health and wellbeing.

3. Health Systems Resilience
Initiatives that strengthen health systems, promote early intervention, and improve access to health services for young populations.

All proposed projects must:

• Be inclusive and non-discriminatory.

• Demonstrate measurable impact.

• Serve underserved communities.

• Start after October 2026 and conclude by December 2027.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is application deadline 12 April 2026.