Sodiq Ojuroungbe
In what could be described as a creative approach to spreading awareness about HIV testing, Human papillomavirus vaccination, prevention of hepatitis B prevention, hypertension and stroke, Nigerian youths have leveraged music and other innovative initiatives to tackle some of the country’s biggest health challenges.
In the initiative led by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Young Nigerians are empowered to take charge of their health through creative and culturally resonant strategies.
Known as the “I Test” the project initially launched to promote HIV self-testing among young Nigerians taps into the infectious energy of Afrobeat to spread awareness and educate people about diseases such as stroke, HIV, and hypertension, among others.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the 21-day boot camp for these youths, the Director of Research at NIMR, Professor Oliver Ezechi, said young musicians on the project are crafting songs that educate listeners about hypertension and stroke, aiming to increase awareness and early detection.
Ezechi, who is also one of the investigators for the project added that these musical endeavours are designed not only to entertain but also to empower listeners with essential health knowledge and potentially transform public health outcomes.
The professor explained that the catchy tunes would be produced in a free downloadable album, ensuring widespread accessibility.
He stressed that the role of youth in health innovation is beyond HIV, and emphasised the need to sustain such efforts and seek youth input for long-term viability.
According to him, involving young people in shaping health strategies and utilising creative mediums like music, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in public health awareness and disease prevention.
Speaking on the project, the NIMR director explained that researchers designed a programme that specifically focused on young Nigerians after realising that youths have the energy and innovation to tackle other health issues.
He said 15 teams of young Nigerians were brought together for a 21-day boot camp after a competitive selection process.
The don further explained that the teams were divided into groups, and they focused on specific health challenges, including sustaining HIV self-testing, enhancing HPV vaccination, combating hepatitis B, and raising awareness of hypertension and stroke.
He, however, stressed the importance of community engagement and proactive measures in health education.
Ezech said there is a 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.
On his part, a professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States, Joseph Tucker, emphasised 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 infusion as 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.”
Speaking also, a Professor of Medicine from Washington DC, U.S., Professor Juliet Ezekwe highlighted the devastating impact of preventable diseases, stressing that the solutions to some of the health challenges lie within the communities themselves.
She emphasised the significance of community involvement in shaping health solutions, noting that empowering communities to contribute their insights and solutions is crucial for sustainable health improvements.
According to her, communities have first-hand experience, knowledge, and resilience to combat health challenges.
She noted that experts and doctors can provide guidance, but true progress lies in empowering communities.
Ezekwe 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.
Meanwhile, a Public Health Researcher, at Georgia State University, Atlanta, U.S., Professor Collins Airhiheneuwa highlighted the importance of local lived experiences and community-driven solutions in the initiatives.
He emphasised the critical role of partnerships and sustainable funding in ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the programmes.
“It also reflects that these youths have a Nigerian identity while sharing certain qualities and values with the global population. They bring Nigerian ideas to the global forum to show that Nigerians recognize the ways young people can get involved in HIV self-testing. Different youths use music to teach about stroke and hypertension awareness, promote the availability of the HPV vaccine, and ensure parents encourage and support their daughters to be vaccinated. These are new areas for us in Nigeria to address—not just the vaccine—but starting now by seeking the voices of young people to be involved in the solutions we generate,” he stated.