In July 2025, Stowelink Foundation’s Mental Health Lead, Naila Chebet Koech, was selected to participate in the Africa Youth in Digital Health Network (YiDHN) mHealth Bootcamp, held in Accra, Ghana.

The bootcamp, organized under the Africa CDC Youth Programme, brought together 30 outstanding young professionals, innovators and advocates from across the continent who are leveraging digital tools to strengthen health systems in Africa. The event aimed to empower youth in digital health, enhance their technical skills, and promote collaboration across borders.

Exploring the Future of Digital Health

Throughout the bootcamp, participants engaged in interactive and practical sessions focused on the intersection of technology and healthcare. Key topics covered included:

• Introduction to mHealth
• Ethics and Digital Health Regulations
• Mobile App Development Fundamentals
• Core Features in App Development
• Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Health Applications

These sessions provided valuable insights into how mobile technology can be applied to bridge healthcare gaps, promote accessibility and enhance health outcomes across African communities.

Pitching Innovation: NCD 365

A highlight of the bootcamp was the innovation pitching session, where participants presented their digital health solutions to a panel of judges.

Representing Stowelink Foundation, Naila pitched the organization’s innovative mobile application “NCD 365” a platform designed to raise awareness, promote prevention and improve the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through daily health education and engagement.

This marked her first-ever innovation pitch, an experience she describes as both challenging and deeply rewarding. Despite feeling nervous, she took to the stage and delivered her presentation with courage and authenticity.

“It wasn’t perfect, but I did it anyway. This experience reminded me that growth happens when we dare to try, even when we are scared,” Naila shared.

Though she did not advance to the final round, the experience was a powerful lesson in resilience, courage and the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

Empowering Africa’s Youth for a Healthier Future

The YiDHN mHealth Bootcamp exemplified the power of collaboration and innovation among Africa’s youth. It provided a platform to connect young health leaders, developers and advocates who are using technology to reimagine the future of healthcare delivery.

Stowelink Foundation remains committed to building context-specific, community-centered digital health solutions that empower individuals to take charge of their health. Experiences like the YiDHN Bootcamp continue to inspire and equip young leaders like Miss Naila to champion health innovation across the continent.