Amref, CGK team up to mentor youths via podcast
DAR ES SALAAM: IN a move aimed at addressing the growing need to integrate health awareness into youth economic empowerment, Amref Health Africa in Tanzania and CGK Africa Connect Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly produce the Now Action Podcast.
The partnership seeks to leverage the strengths of both organisations by combining Amref’s long standing expertise in public health with CGK Africa’s experience in youth mentorship and engagement, in order to deliver practical and informative content to young audiences across the country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held in Dar es Salaam yesterday, CGK Africa’s Managing Director and co-founder, Naomi Mattary, said the initiative is designed to encourage young people to consider health as a key component of entrepreneurship and employment.
She noted that while many young people aspire to start businesses or launch projects, they often overlook the importance of maintaining their own health and that of those they employ.
According to her, building a healthy workforce is essential for sustainable productivity and economic growth.
Ms Mattary added that CGK Africa remains committed to guiding young people from a mindset of job seeking to job creation, particularly at a time when employment opportunities remain limited despite the growing number of graduates entering the labour market each year.
“An individual who starts a business not only earns a living but also creates employment for others. However, entrepreneurship involves working with people, and that requires good health. You cannot effectively engage with others if you are not physically and mentally well,” she said.
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On her part, the Country Director of Amref Tanzania, Dr Florence Temu, welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a strategic partnership with a youth-led organisation that shares a vision of addressing health challenges through innovative communication platforms.
Dr Temu emphasised that young people, women, and children remain key entry points for Amref’s health interventions, noting that community engagement through modern communication channels such as digital media and podcasts is critical in reaching wider audiences.
She further explained that Africa continues to carry a significant global disease burden and, given that a large proportion of the population is made up of young people, preventive health measures must start early.
She stressed that behaviour change and positive health-seeking practices should begin during productive years rather than later in life.
According to Dr Temu, the newly launched initiative is expected to place strong emphasis on prevention and awareness, encouraging young people to invest in their health as they pursue economic opportunities. She added that financial success without good health could lead to avoidable medical expenses.
