What's Happening?
UNICEF has announced the opening of applications for its Technical Advisory Group on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Measurement (TAG-CAMHM) Youth Advisors for 2026. The organization is looking for five young individuals aged 18-24 with personal experience
in mental health to join the advisory group for a two-year term. These youth advisors will collaborate with researchers, practitioners, and technical experts to improve the measurement and tracking of mental health data for children and adolescents globally. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of USD 2,000 over the two-year period, along with travel support for in-person meetings and opportunities to co-author technical outputs and participate in global advocacy initiatives. The initiative aims to address the lack of reliable and youth-informed data on child and adolescent mental health, which is a leading cause of illness and disability among adolescents worldwide.
Why It's Important?
The initiative by UNICEF is crucial as it seeks to fill the gaps in mental health data for children and adolescents, which is often incomplete and inconsistently collected. By involving youth advisors with lived experiences, UNICEF aims to ensure that the data collected is reflective of the real-world challenges faced by young people. This approach not only empowers young individuals by giving them a platform to influence mental health policies but also enhances the credibility and relevance of the data collected. The improved data can lead to better-informed policies and interventions, potentially reducing the prevalence of mental health issues among adolescents. This effort aligns with global health priorities and can significantly impact public health strategies and resource allocation.
What's Next?
The selected youth advisors will participate in two meetings per year, one virtual and one in-person or hybrid, where they will review documents and provide input on UNICEF’s measurement tools and initiatives. They will also contribute to a workstream focused on helping young people and governments use data and research more effectively in mental health decision-making. Additionally, advisors are encouraged to propose contributions based on their expertise, such as co-authoring technical papers or engaging in advocacy forums. The application deadline is August 17, 2026, and interested candidates must submit a statement of interest and a CV or alternative format to the provided email address.
Beyond the Headlines
This initiative highlights the importance of integrating youth perspectives into global health strategies, recognizing that young people are not just beneficiaries but active contributors to policy development. It underscores a shift towards more inclusive and participatory approaches in public health, where diverse voices are valued in shaping solutions. The program also emphasizes the need for mental health data that is not only accurate but also actionable, driving effective interventions that can lead to systemic changes in how mental health issues are addressed globally.
