Enter the WHO Global Youth Competition on Influenza & COVID-19 Prevention and Control 2026 - a worldwide video challenge from the World Health Organization (WHO) for students and young professionals aged 18 - 35.
Create a brief, creative video showing how you shield your community from respiratory infections like seasonal influenza and COVID-19, tackle myths and misinformation, and encourage prevention and control.
Quick Facts - WHO Global Youth Competition 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | WHO Global Youth Competition on Influenza & COVID-19 Prevention and Control |
| Organiser | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Eligibility | Students or young professionals aged 18 - 35 (worldwide) |
| Theme | “How do you shield your circle from respiratory infections, like influenza and COVID-19?” |
| Submission type | Short video (max 90 seconds) + Microsoft Forms entry |
| Entries per person | Up to 3 videos |
| Opens | 3 August 2026 |
| Deadline | 13 September 2026, 23:45 CEST |
| Winners notified | October 2026 |
| Official apply | WHO Video Submission Form (Microsoft Forms) |
What Is the Competition?
WHO’s first global youth competition on influenza and COVID-19 prevention invites young creators to produce innovative videos that promote accurate health information, counter myths, and motivate communities to protect themselves from seasonal influenza and COVID-19.
Videos may use storytelling, interviews, reels, animation, drawings, poetry, dialogue, or other creative formats. If AI is used in any part of the submission, it must be disclosed on the form.
Competition Prompts (address at least one)
- Prompt 1: Who needs protection from seasonal influenza/COVID-19? How can vulnerable groups protect themselves? Why is it important?
- Prompt 2: How do you respond to someone who has doubts about influenza and/or COVID-19 prevention in your community?
- Prompt 3: What myths about influenza and/or COVID-19 prevention are circulating in your community? How do you address them?
Video Requirements
- Maximum 90 seconds (1.5 minutes)
- May be in any language but must include English subtitles
- Work independently or in a team
- Up to three submissions per participant
- All filmed individuals must consent and be 18+
- Disclose any AI-generated content used in the video
What Winners Receive
- 1 global winning video featured on WHO’s competition webpage
- Up to 6 runner-up videos highlighted by WHO
- Invitation to present the winning video on a global influenza/COVID-19 prevention webinar (October 2026)
- WHO certificate featuring winner name(s) and video title
- Global visibility for your health advocacy message
Judging Criteria
- Alignment with the competition theme and at least one prompt
- Originality and creativity
- Accuracy and clarity of health information
- Visual style and storytelling quality
- English subtitles included
- Quality of form responses (motivation, impact, dissemination feasibility, consent confirmations)
How to Apply
- Read the full guidelines on the official WHO competition page.
- Create your video (≤90 seconds, English subtitles, address at least one prompt).
- Complete the WHO Microsoft Forms submission with your video link and required answers.
- Submit before 13 September 2026 at 23:45 CEST.
Official Links
Submit - WHO Video Submission Form
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FAQs - WHO Global Youth Competition 2026
What is the deadline?
Sunday, 13 September 2026 at 23:45 CEST. Submissions open from 3 August 2026.
Who can enter?
Students or young professionals aged 18 - 35 from anywhere in the world.
How long should the video be?
Maximum 90 seconds, with English subtitles required regardless of spoken language.
How many videos can I submit?
Up to three videos per participant.
When are winners announced?
WHO notifies winner(s) in October 2026 after expert review.
Where do I submit?
Via the official Microsoft Forms link: forms.office.com/e/WbhzcMAph6.
