In a significant and innovative move to combat preventable diseases in the country, Nigerian youths are taking the lead in addressing health challenges within their communities with locally composed music, as veritable tool in raising awareness about the conditions.
The youngsters, made up of 15 teams were brought together by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) -led initiative, with efforts tailored at improving HIV self-testing, Human papillomavirus vaccination, prevention of hepatitis B, hypertension and stroke.
Tagged “I Test” the project initially launched to promote HIV self-testing among young Nigerians, also leveraged the infectious energy of Afrobeat to create awareness and educate people about the focused diseases. It also empowered the young people to take charge of their health through creative and culturally resonant strategies.
Addressing the youths at the closing ceremony of a 21-day boot camp at the weekend, Director of Research at NIMR, Professor Oliver Ezechi underscored the potentials of youths in mitigating public health challenges in the country.
Equipped with this fact, he said they designed a programme that specifically focused on their ideas and solutions. Following a competitive selection process, 15 teams of young Nigerians were brought together for a 21-day boot camp.
Ezechi, who is also principal investigator of the project disclosed that the youths were divided into groups to focus on specific health challenges such as sustaining HIV self-testing, enhancing HPV vaccination, combating Hepatitis B: and raising awareness of hypertension and stroke.
He emphasised the need to ensure that efforts in combating some of these diseases resonate widely and effectively across diverse Nigerian communities.
“Our approach extends beyond music to empower communities in understanding and managing health challenges. We engage young people not just as beneficiaries but as co-creators of sustainable health solutions.
“Community involvement is key to our projects’ success. We bring together diverse stakeholders, from healthcare professionals to local leaders, to ensure our interventions are culturally sensitive and effective.
“In tackling vaccination hesitancy, we involve young teams in brainstorming sessions and intensive workshops. This participatory approach ensures our strategies are rooted in community insights and realities.
“Our goal is not just to implement programs but to foster a sense of ownership within communities. By empowering local youth and leaders, we aim for sustainable health improvements that endure beyond our direct interventions,” he stated.
Speaking, a Professor of Medicine from Washington DC, Professor Juliet Iwelunmor , who noted the devastating impact of preventable diseases with a loss of a sister to cervical cancer said the solutions to some of the health challenges lie within the communities themselves.
“Communities have the first-hand experience, the knowledge, and the resilience to combat health challenges. Experts and doctors can provide guidance, but true progress hinges on empowering communities.”
Iwelunmor said in the last one year, they have created a platform for young Nigerians to share their ideas and solutions for tackling critical health issues like cervical cancer, hypertension and stroke.
She said the programme has been a resounding success, adding that, community members have come forward with a wealth of practical solutions, demonstrating that the power to heal lies within their grasp.
Supporting this view, Professor Collins Airhiheneuwa, a public health researcher at Georgia State University, highlighted the importance of local experiences and community-driven solutions in such initiatives. He stressed the critical role of partnerships and sustainable funding in ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of these programs.
Professor Airhiheneuwa also pointed out the cultural significance of these efforts, noting that Nigerian youths bring their unique perspectives to the global health forum.
“These youths use music to raise awareness about stroke and hypertension, promote the availability of the HPV vaccine, and encourage parental support for vaccination. By involving young people in health solutions, we are addressing not only the immediate health issues but also fostering a proactive approach to future challenges,” he stated.
The initiative showcases the power of community engagement and the potential for young Nigerians to lead the way in creating lasting health solutions, reflecting a blend of local and global perspectives in the fight against preventable diseases.
In his contribution, a Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States, Joseph Tucker, stressed the importance of harnessing local knowledge and empowering Nigerian youth to address pressing health challenges.
The don, who also works at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, described the music inclusion a fantastic idea and commitment of the young participants.
He added, “There are vaccines for HPV and Hepatitis B but the problem with these vaccines is that people hesitate to take them. HPV vaccine is for girls aged 9 to 14, and this is a highly effective vaccine, but we need to find new strategies to promote HPV vaccination. And so that’s what the HPV programme has done. Young teams of mothers, and daughters have come together to develop innovative strategies to increase HPV vaccination.
“For the young people here, my message is that the future is bright and continue all the great work that you’re doing. If you’re a young researcher interested in doing this, I would encourage you to talk to colleagues at NIMR, apply for grants, and learn more about this specific program. There’s a bunch of opportunities.”
