Applications are now open for the SFDP Health Innovation Challenge 2026, a funding and implementation opportunity designed for Nigerian students and young professionals with practical public health ideas. The challenge offers $300 mini-grants to each of the top three selected teams with innovative, low-cost solutions that address real public health challenges in Nigeria. Organised by the Society for Disease Prevention (SFDP), the initiative focuses on ideas that can be realistically implemented within communities rather than theory-driven proposals. It is aimed at early-career changemakers seeking funding, implementation experience, and national recognition in public health and healthcare innovation.
About SFDP Health Innovation Challenge
The Society for Disease Prevention (SFDP) is a registered non-profit organisation focused on preventing public health crises through technology, education, and grassroots innovation. The SFDP Health Innovation Challenge was created to support small-scale public health projects that can deliver measurable impact within Nigerian communities. SFDP prioritises actionable ideas that solve pressing health problems using affordable and scalable approaches. The challenge is designed to help young innovators move from concept to execution while building practical experience in public health project delivery.
The main objective of the SFDP Health Innovation Challenge 2026 is to encourage young Nigerians to develop and implement low-cost public health solutions that respond to real community needs. The programme seeks to strengthen disease prevention efforts, improve health awareness, and promote community-based interventions. Another objective is to provide participants with hands-on experience in managing grant-funded projects, working in multidisciplinary teams, and delivering practical health outcomes. Through national visibility and recognition, SFDP also aims to strengthen participants’ career prospects in public health, global health, healthcare innovation, and the non-profit sector.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all eligibility conditions to qualify for the challenge.
Teams must consist of three to five members, and all members must be students or young professionals based in Nigeria.
Every team member must be below 30 years of age. At least one member of each team must be studying or working in a health-related field, such as public health, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or allied health.
Multidisciplinary teams are encouraged, meaning members with backgrounds in technology, data, or social impact can also participate.
Project ideas must be suitable for small-scale, low-cost implementation and must address real public health challenges in Nigeria.
Who Should Apply
The challenge is suitable for public health students, medical, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health students, health-tech innovators, NGO volunteers, and community health advocates.
Young professionals working in healthcare, data, or social impact roles are encouraged to apply.
NYSC members below 30 years of age and based in Nigeria are eligible.
Undergraduate students may apply if they meet the age and team requirements.
Secondary school students and international applicants are not eligible for this opportunity.
Grant Benefits and Selection Focus
Each of the top three selected teams will receive $300 in funding to support project implementation. Additional benefits include the opportunity to implement a real public health project, national visibility for selected innovations, practical experience in grant-funded project execution, and a strengthened CV.
Applications are evaluated based on the relevance of the health problem addressed, practicality and affordability of the solution, potential community impact, team composition, and feasibility of implementation within a short timeframe.
The $300 grant is awarded per team, not per individual, and is a mini-grant for project implementation, not a scholarship or tuition support.
Applications opened on December 28, 2025, and will close on January 18, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
How to Apply
Interested teams must apply through the official SFDP Health Innovation Challenge application Portal.
