In Sub-Saharan Africa, Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) face an alarming mental health crisis, with depression rates three times higher than those of their male peers. Despite this, many low- and middle-income countries allocate less than 2% of their health budgets to mental health, leaving a critical gap in care and support. However, an innovative approach is emerging to address this challenge: mathematical modeling.

Applications are open now for the Women Derive Mathematical Models for Mental Health (WEALTH) initiative, an international collaboration that aims to equip early- to mid-career researchers and policymakers with the skills to utilize mathematical models to tackle depression and related mental health conditions in AGYW. Led by CARTA’s focal person, Akinyinka Omigbodun, with Global Grand Challenges funding, the online training course offers a unique opportunity to turn data into actionable insights that drive policy change and effective interventions.

WEALTH stands out as a transformative initiative for several reasons:

• International Collaboration: The program brings together experts from the University of Ibadan, the University of Warwick, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and Imperial College, London.
• Cutting-edge Curriculum: Participants will dive into mental health, mathematical modeling, and gender studies, gaining technical and advocacy skills.
• Practical Focus: From mentorship to capstone research projects, this course prepares participants to critically evaluate and develop models, translate findings, and advocate for evidence-based policies.

WEALTH is designed for early- to mid-career researchers and policymakers passionate about public health, brain health, or gender studies across Sub-Saharan Africa. If you have a strong background in data analysis, mental health, or related fields, and can commit to 40 hours per month for 18 months, this fully-funded scholarship could be your gateway to making a real impact. Preference will be given to applicants from Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) partner institutions and to graduates of the Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH).

This is a unique chance to harness the power of mathematics to change the mental health landscape for AGYW in Sub-Saharan Africa. Be part of the solution—join WEALTH today! 

Eligible and interested candidates should submit their resume and a letter of application to: wealth4womeninafrica@gmail.com. Applicants will undergo a thorough selection process, and successful candidates will be awarded a full scholarship for the program.

Download the detailed call HERE.