By Peter Duru, Makurdi

As Africa marks the 2026 Day of the African Child, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called on governments across the continent to pursue debt reforms and increase investments in young people, warning that rising debt burdens are undermining critical sectors such as healthcare and education.

In a statement issued by AHF Nigeria’s Senior Marketing and Advocacy Manager, Steve Aborisade, the organisation said African nations must break what it described as a “cycle of debt injustice” that continues to divert resources away from programmes designed to improve the lives of children and young people.

“On this Day of the African Child, AHF Nigeria stands with young people across the continent in calling on leaders to break the cycle of debt injustice that continues to divert critical resources away from the very investments needed to help Africa’s children and youth thrive,” the statement said.

According to AHF, Africa’s youthful population remains its greatest asset, but the continent’s development potential cannot be fully realised if governments continue to prioritise debt servicing over investments in healthcare, education and social protection.

“As the world’s youngest continent, Africa’s greatest asset is its young people. But their aspirations for healthy, educated and prosperous futures cannot be realised when nations are forced to prioritise debt payments over investments in healthcare, education and social protection,” Aborisade stated.

The organisation noted that young people’s needs are interconnected and require sustained public investment in areas such as HIV prevention, youth-friendly healthcare services, quality education, gender equality, protection from violence and economic empowerment opportunities.

However, AHF argued that the current global debt structure continues to limit many governments’ ability to adequately fund essential services.

Through its Freedom from Debt campaign, the organisation is advocating urgent reforms that place people ahead of profit and enable countries to invest more resources in their youth.

“An unjust global debt system continues to limit many governments’ ability to adequately fund the services and opportunities that enable young people to reach their full potential,” the statement added.

AHF said it remains committed to supporting young people through initiatives such as Girls Act, Boys2Men and other youth-focused programmes aimed at strengthening leadership skills, promoting health literacy, advancing sexual and reproductive health rights, and creating safe spaces for youth engagement.

According to the organisation, a future free from unsustainable debt would allow more young people to stay in school, access quality healthcare, pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to economic growth and social development.

The Day of the African Child is observed annually on June 16 to commemorate the 1976 Soweto Uprising, during which South African students protesting inequalities in the apartheid education system were met with violence.

AHF said the legacy of the uprising, 50 years later, remains a powerful reminder for leaders to listen to young people and ensure every child has access to the opportunities and support needed to succeed.