The Youth Initiative for Development and Advocacy (YIDA-SL) hosted the National 50 Most Influential Health Students Awards 2026 on Saturday, 17 October, at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown.

The prestigious ceremony celebrated 50 outstanding students selected from 200 nominees across Sierra Leone, recognising their contributions to leadership, academic excellence, healthcare advocacy, innovation, and community service.

The event was graced by distinguished personalities, including Hon. Manti Tarawalli, Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President, as Keynote Speaker, and Prof. Dr. med. Charles Senesie, Deputy Minister of Health I, as Guest of Honour.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the official unveiling of the National Youth Health Summit 2027 by YIDA-SL’s Executive Director, Mahmoud Barrie.

During his address, Barrie emphasised the need to move beyond recognising young healthcare leaders to creating opportunities for their meaningful participation in addressing Sierra Leone’s health challenges.

He presented the proposed summit as a national platform intended to connect healthcare students, young professionals, policymakers, researchers, and development partners to advance innovation, mentorship, collaboration, and youth-led healthcare solutions.

The ceremony also featured the launch of a commemorative magazine highlighting the achievements and inspiring journeys of the awardees.

Through these initiatives, YIDA-SL reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders and strengthening youth participation in Sierra Leone’s health sector.

The message was clear: celebrating young healthcare leaders is important, but empowering them to shape the future of healthcare is even more significant.