Applications are now open for the 2026 Global Adolescent Health Short Course offered by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Obafemi Awolowo University, the Institute of Child Health at the University of Ibadan, and the Public Health Foundation of India.
This internationally recognized short course is designed to strengthen the capacity of professionals working in adolescent health and development by equipping them with evidence-based tools, conceptual frameworks, and policy approaches necessary to improve adolescent health systems worldwide.
The course will run from 7 September to 18 September 2026 and will be delivered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join either face-to-face in London or online from anywhere in the world.
With growing concerns around adolescent mental health, sexual and reproductive health, violence, nutrition, substance use, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and digital wellbeing, this course provides participants with advanced practical and policy-oriented training to address some of the most pressing public health challenges affecting adolescents globally.
Why Adolescent Health Matters
Investing in adolescent health is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), improving public health outcomes, and promoting sustainable economic development.
Adolescence is a transformative stage of life where behaviors, attitudes, and social patterns are established. Many adult diseases and health conditions — including HIV, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, mental health disorders, and substance abuse — often originate from behaviors developed during adolescence.
Despite increasing global evidence on effective interventions for adolescent health, many countries still face challenges related to limited resources, weak health systems, inadequate policies, and insufficient technical expertise. The Global Adolescent Health Course seeks to bridge these gaps by building the skills of policymakers, researchers, program implementers, and public health professionals.
About the Global Adolescent Health Course
The Global Adolescent Health course is jointly organized and taught by leading experts from:
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
- Institute of Child Health, University of Ibadan
- Public Health Foundation of India
- UNICEF
The course combines public health theory, evidence-based practice, and policy analysis to prepare professionals to design and implement effective adolescent health programs.
Course Dates
- Course Period: 7 – 18 September 2026
- Duration: 10 days
- Learning Mode: Hybrid (Online and Face-to-Face)
- Location for In-Person Participants: London, United Kingdom
- Application Deadline: Friday, 7 August 2026 at 23:59 (UK Time)
Objectives of the Course
The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to improve adolescent health policies and interventions.
Participants will learn to:
- Understand the epidemiology of adolescent health issues
- Analyze evidence-based interventions for adolescent wellbeing
- Evaluate health systems and adolescent health programs
- Design and improve adolescent health policies and strategies
- Conduct research and evidence reviews related to adolescent health
- Understand behavioral theories, vulnerability, resilience, and risk frameworks
- Apply adolescent participation and youth engagement approaches
- Integrate adolescent health into national public health systems
Topics Covered in the Program
Participants will explore a wide range of adolescent health and development topics, including:
Core Themes
- Adolescent development and wellbeing
- Epidemiology of adolescent health
- Risk and resilience theories
- Youth engagement and participation
- Intersectional perspectives in adolescent health
- Adolescent rights and diversity
- Health programming for adolescents
- Digital-age adolescent wellbeing
Public Health Challenges
The course addresses major adolescent health challenges such as:
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Mental health
- Nutrition
- Drugs and alcohol
- Violence and injuries
- Infectious diseases
- Non-communicable diseases
Policy and Research Areas
Participants will also learn about:
- Situation analysis
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Health surveillance systems
- Research methods for adolescent health
- Policy development and implementation
- International priorities and frameworks for adolescent health
Teaching Methods and Learning Experience
The course will be taught through:
- Interactive lectures
- Synchronous online sessions
- Face-to-face learning
- Pre-recorded case studies
- Group projects
- Participatory discussions
- Evidence review exercises
Participants will receive electronic access to:
- PowerPoint presentations
- Course materials
- Key academic references
- Supporting resources
The course faculty includes internationally recognized experts in adolescent health programming, research, and policy development.
Who Should Apply?
The course is specifically designed for mid-career professionals involved in adolescent health and development.
Suitable applicants include:
- Public health professionals
- Policymakers
- Researchers
- Program implementers
- NGO professionals
- Development practitioners
- Health sector managers
- International organization staff
Applicants should have:
- Experience in adolescent health or related fields
- Strong interest in public health and development
- Good command of English
The course is public health-oriented rather than clinically focused.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Critically evaluate adolescent health indicators and burden measures
- Apply research evidence to policy and programming
- Assess health system capacities for adolescent interventions
- Analyze policy effectiveness at different governance levels
- Strengthen adolescent health strategies in their countries and organizations
Testimonials from Previous Participants
Past participants have described the course as transformative and highly practical.
Professionals from organizations such as UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO, ministries of health, and international NGOs praised the course for:
- Its participatory teaching style
- Practical policy relevance
- Strong evidence-based approach
- Real-world applications
- Networking opportunities
- Global perspectives on adolescent wellbeing
Course Fees for 2026
Standard Fee
- £1,932
Discounted Fee
- £966 for nationals of Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) currently residing in LMICs
Applicants requesting the discounted fee must provide:
- Passport copy
- Proof of current residence
- Evidence of LMIC status
Please note that no scholarships or fee waivers are available for the 2026 intake.
Important Information for Applicants
Application Deadline
Applications close on:
Friday, 7 August 2026 at 23:59 (UK Time)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early because the course may close before the official deadline if spaces become full.
Visa Information
Participants attending in person are responsible for obtaining the appropriate UK visa.
LSHTM can provide supporting documentation if required.
Accommodation
LSHTM provides accommodation guidance and hotel recommendations for participants attending physically in London.
Additional Notes
- Participants must bring their own laptops
- Passport identification is mandatory for registration
- Participants requiring visas should begin the process early
- LSHTM may cancel the course if enrollment numbers are insufficient
Why You Should Apply
This course offers a rare opportunity to gain advanced global expertise in adolescent health from some of the world’s leading institutions in public health and development.
Participants will benefit from:
- International networking opportunities
- Practical policy and programming skills
- Exposure to global adolescent health experts
- Evidence-based learning approaches
- Hybrid learning flexibility
- Real-world case studies and research
Professionals working in public health, youth development, education, international development, and health policy will find this course highly valuable for career growth and program impact.
For professionals seeking to strengthen adolescent health systems and improve outcomes for young people globally, this course provides an exceptional learning opportunity.
For more information on this short course, click here
Discover more short course opportunities on OFY here
