Caption : Some of the participants with organisers
……as 140 youths work on creative ideas to enhance public health
By Omolara Akintoye
DG, NIMR, Prof. Salako with other Principal Officials at 2024 Mega Designathon event
To combat cervical cancer, HIV, hepatitis B, hypertension, among others, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) is engaging 140 youths in creative community driven approaches to enhance Community health.
These dreaded diseases are believed to be among the leading causes of deaths in the country today.
The venue is the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, between 3rd- 6th April, the 2024 Mega Designathon event is an initiative that leverages the power of innovations and community-driven approaches to enhance public health.
In his address, the Director General of NIMR, Prof. Babatunde Salako explained that the idea of the Mega DESIGNATHON event came about following findings that homegrown solutions remain the best strategy for tackling public health issues.
While congratulating the one hundred and forty participants for being selected out of over 1000 applications, Prof. Salako urged them to put in their best in coming up with ideas that can potentially improve the nation’s health situation.
The DG explained that during the four-day event, participants are expected to develop research-based solutions for increasing the uptake of vaccination and promote early screening for cervical cancer and HPV -related cancers as well as Hepatitis B.
He said “As we delve into the intricacies of the Mega Designathon, we are met with four distinct yet interconnected projects, and poised to impact Nigeria’s health landscape profoundly.
“The first project focuses on cervical cancer and HPV -related cancers -a scourge that continues to claim the lives of far too many Nigerian women and girls.
“The second project shines a light on liver cancer and hepatitis B – a battle that rages on despite global advancements.
“The third project echoes the sentiments of the second project, emphasizing the importance of HPV vaccination uptake among newborns.
“The last project is a call for action for our youths, our future leaders, to take the reins in the fight against HIV. With a focus on sustaining prevention programs and promoting youth -friendly sermons,this project empowers young minds to derive meaningful change within their communities”, said Prof. Salako.
The groups with the best idea will be selected for future events where they will be camped for one month and enjoy the privilege of working with renowned medical researchers, policymakers, and others to perfect the ideas.
While advocating the need for government to establish special funding for medical research to effectively address public health challenges in the country, Prof. Salako stressed the determination of the institute to collaborate with reputable organizations globally in championing innovative programs like the Mega Designathon.
“The project core team, consisting of researchers from the institute, Washington State University and the University of North Carolina, has conducted a series of Designathons during the implementation of ITEST and ACCESS -HPV projects. However, this is the first time in the institute and in Nigeria, a Designathon of this magnitude is being organized in one event.
A Principal investigator in the initiative, Prof Oliver Ezechi said the project is a learning point that Nigerians who are studying abroad should be patriotic enough to use the knowledge and experience acquired to improve their country.
Prof Ezechi noted that since its debut five years ago, the project has produced world-class professionals and that this year’s edition holds greater prospects.
Prof. Ezechj is the Chief Leader, and Co-principal contact for the 4 communities and 4YBY Groups, leading the local coordination of research and planning through the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Network. Also by building and maintaining strong connections with researchers and policymakers involved with cancer control, HIV prevention, and hypertension and blood pressure awareness and prevention in Nigeria.
On her part, Dr. Juliet Iwelunmor of Washington State University said that Nigerians are doing well in many spheres of life, and should use their ingenuity to improve the health conditions of the country.
The Mega Designathon is jointly Organised by four National Institute of Health- funded projects in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and other national and International institutions.
