Scheduled for Thursday, 11 December, the one-day event brings together youth organisations, tech innovators, startups, civil society partners and funders to explore and accelerate digital health approaches to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights, mental health and broader wellbeing of young peoplem says the Expo.

Hosted by UNFPA South Africa with supporting partners Reach Digital Health, Girl Effect and Shout It Now, the Expo is designed to strengthen collaboration across the digital health ecosystem and advance a shared vision for accessible, youth-centred health services, adds the Expo.

The convening explores how emerging technologies, user-centred design and sustainable implementation strategies can inform and support the NDoH's long-term digital health priorities, says the Expo.

Digital innovation offers an unprecedented opportunity to expand access to vital health resources, support and services — particularly for young people, adds the Expo.

By facilitating meaningful dialogue between government and youth-focused organisations, showcasing digital tools, new technologies, platforms and research, amplifying authentic youth voices and perspectives to shape solutions that reflect their realities and sparking new collaborations, the Expo says it aims to strengthen cross-sector partnerships and co-create an actionable roadmap for scalable, youth-centred digital health solutions in 2026 and beyond.

The programme includes a series of focused sessions integrating lightning talks, conversations with leaders across the sector and open audience participation. Insights, recommendations and contributions from the Expo aim to inform a comprehensive report for partners, funders and implementers, says the Expo.

"South Africa has a strong foundation for digital health innovation, but the next phase requires collective action. This Expo is about bringing partners, innovators and government together to align around a shared vision for improving sexual and reproductive health and rights, while also exploring links to mental health and overall youth wellbeing," says Thulani Mbatha, Assistant Representative / Head of Programmes at UNFPA South Africa.

"By creating a space for collaboration and honest dialogue, we can accelerate solutions that are scalable, equitable and grounded in the realities of those we aim to serve," says Mbatha.

Organisations, innovators, youth advocates, startups, technologists, programme implementers, researchers, funders and policymakers working in digital health, youth development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, or mental health are encouraged to register and attend. Space is limited and early registration is recommended, says the Expo.

The event is free to attend for organisations working in the sector. Registration is essential via the Eventbrite page by visiting https://bit.ly/YDHE25, adds the Expo.

The Expo invites startups, youth-led initiatives, NGOs, digital innovators, research teams and programme implementers to apply to showcase their work and share ideas, tools and approaches that support the health and futures of young people at the Expo section of the event. Applications can be made by visiting the YDHE website, says the Expo.

A full programme and speaker lineup will be shared in early December, concludes the Expo.

For more information, visit www.unfpa.org. You can also follow UNFPA on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor