SRHIN AFRICA Website
by: Peace Oregbesan | February 07, 2025
At Slum and Rural Health Initiative, our mission is to create lasting health impacts within communities by raising awareness on critical health issues. One of our key initiatives is the Youth for HPV project, which focuses on advocating for HPV vaccination and educating the public on cervical cancer prevention. Through strategic efforts on social media and the dedication of our passionate champions, we are driving meaningful change—and inspiring stories like those of Olasunkanmi Olotu and Alabi Aminat showcase the incredible strides we are making.
Empowering Champions to Lead Advocacy
The Youth for HPV project recognizes that local champions are essential for reaching diverse communities. These champions undergo training and are equipped with the knowledge to effectively communicate vital health information about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention. By leveraging their unique connections within their communities, they help bridge the gap between healthcare information and public awareness.
Olasukanmi Olotu's Journey as a Champion
Olasunkanmi Olotu has been a remarkable advocate for HPV awareness in Lagos State. Reflecting on her experience, she shared:
“Being a Youth for HPV Champion has been an amazing experience for me. This project gave me the chance to speak to different people about HPV and cervical cancer in Lagos State. I’ve been on Lagos TV to talk about the benefits of the HPV vaccine and on Channels TV to raise awareness about HPV and cervical cancer. I also spoke on City FM and Fresh FM, where I reached even more people through radio.
One of the best parts was going to Access College, Iju Ishaga, where I had Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and In-Depth Interviews (IDI) with students aged 9-14. Talking to them helped me see how much young people know and what they still need to learn about HPV.
I also helped organize refresher training for other champions, and I facilitated a session about community engagement which made us stronger as a team. This project has taught me a lot about speaking in public, doing community research, and engaging with people, all while making a real impact in spreading HPV awareness.”
Alabi Aminat’s Journey as a Champion
Another inspiring champion, Alabi Aminat, shared her impactful journey:
“My name is Alabi Aminat, and being a champion for this project has been an amazing journey. Through this initiative, I’ve actively worked on raising awareness about cervical cancer prevention and the HPV vaccine within my community. This role has taught me the importance of clear communication and consistent advocacy.
One of the key things I’ve gained is a deeper understanding of how to engage with people effectively and educate them on critical health topics. It has also allowed me to grow my confidence in speaking and working collaboratively with a team. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an impactful cause and look forward to doing even more in the future.”
Aminat’s story is a testament to the power of youth-led advocacy. Through her work, she has not only impacted her community but has also developed essential skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Social Media Advocacy for HPV Awareness
In addition to the grassroots efforts of champions like Olotu and Aminat, our social media platforms have played a significant role in amplifying awareness about HPV vaccination. By creating engaging content, sharing educational posts, and hosting interactive sessions, we reach a broader audience, spark important conversations, and encourage individuals to take proactive steps toward cervical cancer prevention.
The Ripple Effect of Impact
The success of champions like Olotu and Aminat demonstrates how initiatives like Youth for HPV can spark a ripple effect of positive change. Their dedication inspires others to join the advocacy movement, ensuring that more people are informed about the importance of HPV vaccination.
Looking Ahead
As we continue our journey with the Youth for HPV project, we remain committed to supporting our champions and expanding our advocacy efforts. We believe that through storytelling, education, and community engagement, we can create a healthier future where preventable diseases like cervical cancer become a thing of the past.
The stories of Olasunkanmi Olotu and Alabi Aminat are just two of many—shining examples of how empowered youth can lead the charge for positive health outcomes. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to sharing more success stories as we continue this vital work.
Together, let’s champion health, raise awareness, and make a lasting difference.