Mohammed Abdulaziz

Medical Epidemiologist with Africa CDC, African Union Commission (All opinions expressed here are my personal thoughts)

[Ifedayo Adetifa @IfedayoTiffy]

The main programme kicks off with the first panel, ‘Setting the stage: Integrated Primary Health Care as a Pathway towards Universal Health Care. @AfricaCDC’s Head of Disease Control & Prevention, Dr @zizo_man spoke about how achieving access, equity and coverage for the population requires ‘de-verticalisation’ of disease programmes to see people and not just diseases. He reminded us access is not just geographic but includes access to essential #diagnostics & medicines.

[Tuwilika Nafuka @TuwilikaNafuka]

Certified! ✅

I’ve officially completed the @AfricaCDC Mental Health Leadership Program (MHLP) 2025, joining 44 leaders from 19 African countries out of 2,000+ applicants. 🌍🧠

#AfricaCDCMentalHealth #MHLP #NewDeal #NewPublicHealthOrder

[Tuwilika Nafuka @TuwilikaNafuka]

We’ve officially kicked off Week 2 (Day 6) of the Mental Health Leadership Programme!
Powered by: @AfricaCDC @wellcometrust @AFENETAfrica
Sen. Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe was our special guest today
#AfricaCDC #MHLP #MentalHealth #NewPublicHealthOrder #AfricaCDCMentalHealth #NewDeal

[Tuwilika Nafuka @TuwilikaNafuka]

🌍 Day 1 at the @AfricaCDC Mental Health Leadership Program (#MHLP) here in Ibadan, Nigeria!

I’m ready to soak up new ideas on how to strengthen mental health advocacy for young Namibians and sharpen the youth-focused assessment tools we’re building at @TupaBloomCare .

[Tuwilika Nafuka @TuwilikaNafuka]

🌍 Final day at the @AfricaCDC Mental Health Leadership Program (#MHLP) in Ibadan, Nigeria!

@WellcomeTrust , and @AFENETAfrica

#AfricaCDC #MHLP #MentalHealth #NewPublicHealthOrder #AfricaCDCMentalHealth #NewDeal

[Electronic Kasujja @ekasujja]

Grateful to have been selected as one of 25 finalists for the Africa CDC's prestigious Mental Health Leadership Program #MHLP Thanks to @AfricaCDC @wellcometrust @AFENETAfrica @CBM_Global @AUC 🙏

[Naila Chebet Koech @naylachebet]

We did it! 🎉

After 2 transformative weeks, I’m proud to have completed the #AfricaCDC #MHLP training and earned a certificate.

I feel empowered and ready to keep pushing for better mental health systems.

#MentalHealth is everyone’s business the time to act is now!

[Majanga Eisen Amunya @M19500Eisen]

@Kmtc_official @AfricaCDCYouth @AfricaCDC The Africa Mental Health Leadership Program (MHLP) (Eastern Africa Cohort)

[Majanga Eisen Amunya @M19500Eisen]

The Africa CDC Mental Health leadership Program entered its third day today at the Kenya Medical Training College, Nursing Hall, Nairobi. @Kmtc_official @AfricaCDC @AfricaCDC
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

[KMTC @Kmtc_official]

*KMTC Hosts Trainees from 11 African Countries for Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Training*

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Nairobi Campus is currently hosting a two-week training under the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Program, bringing together 52 participants from 11 African countries.

The training, held in partnership with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), is part of a broader strategy to bridge mental health service delivery gaps across the continent.

Participants were competitively selected from over 3,600 applicants, highlighting the growing recognition of mental health as a critical area in public health.

The Nairobi cohort includes countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Ghana, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.

KMTC becomes the fourth host institution for this short course, following successful sessions in Egypt, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.

Speaking during the official opening, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sultani Matendechero, who represented the Principal Secretary for Health Standards and Professional Management, Ms. Mary Muthoni, emphasized the urgency of mental health reform in the region.

“Mental health must be treated as a public health priority. Institutions like KMTC are central to this agenda by equipping healthcare workers with relevant competencies,” he said.

KMTC Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot welcomed the participants, noting, “Developing human resources for health is essential in achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. We are proud to be part of this regional effort.”

Echoing this sentiment, KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch described the programme as a continental movement and a significant opportunity for the College.

“Through this initiative, KMTC reinforces its regional leadership in mental health education and capacity building,” he said.

The training, which will run from May 12 to 23, 2025, covers a wide range of topics tailored to the Eastern African context. Participants are fully sponsored, and support includes air travel, accommodation, conference materials, and certification upon completion.

The Africa CDC selected KMTC as the host institution for the Eastern Africa region due to its strong track record of producing fit-for-purpose health professionals.
…Ends

[Vanessa A. Mkagilage @VannesserMalick]

During the #MentalHealth Leadership Program, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Dr. Mohammed Abdulazziz, Head of the Division of NCDs, Injuries, and Mental Health at Africa CDC.

His vast experience in addressing #mentalhealth issues has been truly inspiring.

[Sue Baker OBE @suebakerTTC]

@julian_eaton @AUC @AfricaCDC @AFENETAfrica An excellent initiative

[Wellcome @wellcometrust]

We’re funding a new Mental Health Leadership Programme in partnership with @AfricaCDC.

Shaped by lived experience expertise, the programme’s goal is to support leaders so that evidence and local context are combined to improve mental health policy: https://t.co/egHW3ErSpC

[Africa CDC @AfricaCDC]

The American University in Cairo will run the 10th Annual Mental Health Leadership course from 02nd to 12th June 2024. @AfricaCDC will support a number of public health professionals from African Union Member States to participate in the course through their Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP).
#MHLP is a three-year flagship programme to prepare leaders in the health system to apply multifaceted approaches to understand and address mental health on the continent through a public health and human rights lens.

Public health professionals with innovative projects to strengthen mental health systems in Africa are highly encouraged to apply. The application period is from 26th March to 26th April 2024 and link can be found here https://t.co/BKDrFl3btN.

[AU Health,Humanitarian Affairs&Social Development @AU_HHS]

As we reflect on the #AU 2024 theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century", we must recognize t/importance of building resilient education systems that incorporate mental health considerations - @AmbSamate at t/launch of @AfricaCDC Mental Health Leadership Programme
#WHA77

[Africa CDC @AfricaCDC]

Today, we launched the @AfricaCDC Mental Health Leadership Program, supported by @WellcomeTrust, @CBMGlobal, and @AFENET. With 6 of the 10 countries with the highest suicide rates in Africa, urgent action is needed. This program will strengthen mental health infrastructure and policies across @_AfricanUnion member states. It focuses on:

1. Strengthening the public health workforce
2. Building advocacy for stronger prioritization and investment in mental health.
#MentalHealthMatters #InvestInMentalHealth

[NCD Alliance @ncdalliance]

Discussing #NCDs and UHC on the sidelines of #WHA76, Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz, @AfricaCDC, talked about the need to make health systems available, accessible and affordable and the crucial role of community engagement in #NCD response.
Listen more in the live stream 👆

[NCD Alliance @ncdalliance]

Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz talked also about the need for donors to re-think the approach to funding saying that it's important to enable governments to scale up services. Listen to more in the live stream https://t.co/IoIPg3o0Pl

[Dr Jean Kaseya @Dr_JeanKaseya]

Strengthening health workforce is a fundamental element in our vision for Africa’s New Public Health Order, we remain committed to achieving this objective. Join @AfricaCDC, @ifrc, @UNICEF, & other partners to explore strategies for institutionalizing community health programs.

[UNICEF Office to the African Union & ECA @UNICEF_AUOffice]

“Immunizing our children is investing in Africa's future, creating a healthier, safer and most prosperous Continent for all.”-Dr. Mohammed Abdulaziz, @zizo_man.

#TheBigCatchUp
#AfricanVaccinationWeek