Youth Against cancer Initiative (YACI)

The specific problem that the Youth Against Cancer Initiative (YACI) project aims to solve is the low cancer awareness and education, research, and advocacy in Nigeria, particularly among youths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the burden of the disease in Africa is expected to double by 2040. Currently, 56% of new cancer cases are from developing countries (Africa inclusive), and it is projected that by 2030 that 76% of new cancer cases will be from this developing nations. In Nigeria, the most populous African nation with an estimated 200 million people, cancer incidence and mortality rates are rising, but cancer control efforts are still inadequate, and there is a lack of awareness and education about cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

The scale of the problem is significant, with cancer incidence and mortality rates on the rise in Nigeria. In 2020, an estimated 102,000 new cancer case and 77,000 cancer deaths occurred in Nigeria. This figure is projected to rise. Breast cancer (27%) is the most prevalent, followed by cervix uteri (14%), liver (12%), prostate (12%), and colorectum (4.1%). While breast cancer has a 20% death rate, the liver (16%), prostate (13%), cervix uteri (12%), and colorectum (4.4%). Breast cancer is now the top cause of mortality in Nigeria, followed by liver cancer and prostate cancer. Cancer is becoming more common in most parts of the world, although there are significant disparities between developed nations and developing ones such as Nigeria. Although incidence rates remain highest in more developed locations, fatality rates in less developed countries are significantly higher due to a lack of early detection and access to treatment facilities.

Approximately 20% of the population of Africa and a little bit above half the population of West Africa, Nigeria inclusive contributed 15% to the estimated 681,000 new cases of cancer that occurred in Africa in 2008. Just as the situation in the rest of the developing countries, a large proportion of the increase in incidence of cancer in Nigeria is due to increasing life expectancy, reduced risk of death from infectious diseases, increasing prevalence of smoking, physical inactivity, failed healthcare system, low cancer awareness and education, obesity as well as changing dietary and lifestyle patterns. 

Over 70% of the cancer patients present late stages (III & IV) with few patients having access to the limited treatment facilities in the country. More people are diagnosed of cancer at advanced stages because so many people in Nigeria have been whitewashed with myths and misinformation such as that cancer is a white man's disease and so many other misinformation. 

The project's solution aims to address these factors by empowering youths to raise awareness about cancer, conduct research, and advocate for policy changes to improve cancer control efforts in Nigeria. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, the project seeks to develop sustainable cancer control programs that can improve cancer outcomes in Nigeria.

Cancer is a growing health concern in the world and in Nigeria, with incidence and mortality rates on the rise. Despite this, there is a lack of awareness and education about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. To address this challenge, the YACI project is aimed at improving cancer awareness, research, and advocacy in Nigeria leveraging technology and health communications.

The project is aimed at achieving this via four (4) frontiers:

1. Research 

2. Health Communications and Technology

3. Outreaches and Advocacy

4. Human Capacity Development

The project shall leverage technology by the development of a mobile app that provides updates on the latest trends in cancer research, prevention, and treatment. This app will be a valuable tool for raising awareness and educating people about cancer. The app will also provide tips on how to stay fit and healthy, which can reduce the risk of developing cancer.

The app will be developed by Nigerian university undergraduate students who will be trained on app development and health communications. These youths will be responsible for updating the app with the latest information on cancer research and trends. The app will also allow users to ask questions and engage with healthcare professionals to learn more about cancer prevention and treatment.

To complement the app, we will also organize cancer control and awareness programs in high schools and universities in Nigeria. The programs will be led by the Nigerian youth champions, undergraduate students who must have been trained in health communications so as to reduce misinformation during outreaches. The programs will educate students about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. This will help to create a generation of young people who are knowledgeable about cancer and can advocate for better cancer control policies.

Understanding the importance of research in cancer eradication, this project will train undergraduate students in research because involving undergraduate students in cancer research can contribute to the fight against cancer by providing them with valuable skills and experience. Students can assist in various aspects of research, gaining exposure to techniques and concepts in cancer research, and working with established researchers. Moreover, this involvement can inspire students to pursue further education and careers in cancer research, fostering a new generation of passionate and dedicated researchers.

The project will also leverage local and social media to spread cancer awareness messages across Nigeria. Social media platforms like Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram will be used to reach a broader audience with cancer awareness messages. The project will also partner with local media such as radio, and TV outlets to produce and broadcast cancer awareness content across Nigeria.

In conclusion, the project aims to create a sustainable and impactful solution to low cancer awareness in Nigeria. By empowering Nigerian youths to lead the charge against cancer, leveraging technology, health communications, and advocacy, the project will create a generation of young people who are knowledgeable about the disease and can advocate for better cancer control policies. 

Youth Against cancer Initiative (YACI) is designed to serve the Nigerian population, using the youths who are although at  low risk of developing cancer due to lifestyle choices and lack of awareness about the disease. The project targets high schools and universities in Nigeria where young people can be educated and empowered to lead the fight against cancer.

Currently, cancer awareness and control programs are not widely available in Nigeria, leaving many people at risk of developing the disease or not receiving the care they need. The lack of awareness and education about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment means that many people do not know how to protect themselves from the disease, nor do they know how to seek care if they develop symptoms. As a result, many people in Nigeria are diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited and costly.

The project will directly and meaningfully improve the lives of Nigerian people by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves from cancer. The mobile app developed by the youth champions will serve as a source of up-to-date information on cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, empowering young and old people alike to make informed choices about their health. The app will also provide tips on how to stay fit and healthy, which can reduce the risk of developing cancer.

The cancer control and awareness programs organized by YACI will reach high schools and universities in Nigeria, where young people can be educated and empowered to lead the fight against cancer. The programs will educate young people about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, enabling them to take an active role in advocating for better cancer control policies. By engaging young people in the fight against cancer, the project will create a sustainable solution to the problem of low cancer awareness in Nigeria.

Overall, the project's solution will have a significant impact on the lives of Nigerian youths by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves from cancer. By creating a generation of young people who are knowledgeable about the disease and can advocate for better cancer control policies, the project will ultimately contribute to reducing the incidence and mortality rates of cancer in Nigeria and improve the overall health outcomes of the Nigerian people.

As an undergraduate student who is passionate about cancer eradication through advocacy, health communications, and research, I and my team have the potential to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer in Nigeria, and subsequently the world at large. While I may not have the same level of academic or professional experience as some other individuals, I and my team's proximity to the communities we are serving and our passion for the cause give us a unique perspective and energy that can be a powerful force for change and impact.

One of the advantages of being an undergraduate student is that I am part of a generation that is deeply connected to technology and social media. By leveraging these tools, we can reach a broad audience and engage with them in innovative and meaningful ways. For example, developing an app that provides the latest trends and information on cancer, fitness, and healthy living will be a game-changer in raising awareness, promoting prevention, and improving cancer outcome in Nigeria.

Moreover, i and my team's passion for the cause can be contagious and inspire other youths  to get involved and make a difference in the fight against cancer in Nigeria. As an undergraduate, I have access to a network of peers and student organizations that can be mobilized to support my efforts. By partnering with these groups and building a coalition of like-minded individuals, we can create a movement that is both powerful and sustainable.

Of course, to be successful in my efforts, I and my team will need to be well-prepared and organized. This means developing a clear strategy and timeline for our activities, identifying key stakeholders and partners, and conducting thorough research to ensure that our solutions are evidence-based and responsive to the needs of the target population. Most of these we have done.

Ultimately, what sets I and my team apart is our passion, energy, and commitment to the cause. These qualities can be a powerful force for change, and by leveraging them effectively, we can make a real difference in the fight against cancer in Nigeria. With dedication and hard work, there is no doubt that I and my team have the potential to be successful in our efforts to raise awareness, conduct research, and advocate for better cancer prevention and treatment in Nigeria leveraging technology, health communications and community action.

The Youth against Cancer Initiative (YACI) project is a prototype rather than a concept because it has been designed, developed, and tested to demonstrate its functionality and feasibility in addressing the specific problem of low cancer awareness in Nigeria.

Firstly, the project has a specific design and layout that has been developed to address the problem of low cancer awareness. The project team has conducted extensive research to identify the root causes of low cancer awareness in Nigeria and to determine the best strategies to increase awareness. Based on this research, the team has come to the realization that there has been little to no cancer awareness and education among youths in Nigeria and that the development of an app will help update these young ones about the latest trends on cancer and provide information on how to keep fit and healthy. Additionally, the team has planned to organize cancer control and awareness programs in high schools and universities in Nigeria, as well as using local and social media to spread awareness about cancer. We decided to use these mediums because it's on these platforms (web, schools and socials) that a good number of youths can be seen easily. The project design is based on feedback from stakeholders, research, and industry standards.

Secondly, the project has a specific functionality that has been developed to meet the needs of the end-users. The app, for example, will provide a range of features such as cancer awareness information, health and fitness tips, and regular updates on the latest cancer research. The app will be user-friendly, accessible, and tailored to the needs of the Nigerian young population. The awareness programs in schools and universities will also be developed to ensure they are appropriate for the target age groups and educational levels.

Thirdly, the project has been tested to ensure that it meets the desired objectives and functions effectively. The project team shall conduct extensive testing on the app to ensure it works as intended and is accessible to the target audience. Additionally, the team has conducted pilot cancer awareness programs in a number of schools here in Enugu to test the effectiveness of the program and identify any areas for improvement. The team has also carried out extensive surveys and focus groups to gather feedback from end-users to refine the design and functionality of the research and health communications training for undergraduate students which shall be handy during the awareness programs.

Fourthly, the project incorporates feedback from stakeholders and end-users to improve its design, functionality, and overall user experience. The project team has engaged with a range of stakeholders, including medical professionals, cancer survivors, and non-profit organizations, to ensure the project is relevant and effective. The team has also involved end-users in the development process, using their feedback to refine the programs to ensure they meet their needs.

In conclusion, the cancer awareness project described is a prototype because it has been designed, developed, and tested to address the specific problem of low cancer awareness in Nigeria. The project has a specific design and functionality that has been developed based on research, stakeholder feedback, and industry standards. The project has also been tested and refined to ensure it meets the desired objectives and functions effectively. In addition, the project incorporates feedback from stakeholders and end-users to improve its design, functionality, and overall user experience. By leveraging technology and advocacy efforts of youths, the project has the potential to significantly increase cancer awareness in Nigeria, ultimately leading to earlier detection and improved outcomes for cancer patients.

approximately 30 persons

As an undergraduate student with a passion for cancer eradication leveraging tools such as health communications, research, advocacy and community action, I have encountered several challenges and barriers that have hindered my progress in achieving my goals. One major challenge I face is the lack of mentorship, leadership coaching, and guidance in navigating the complex field of cancer research, advocacy, and community engagement. 

Solve, as an accelerator program, presents a unique opportunity to address these challenges and barriers. Firstly, the mentorship and networking opportunities offered by Solve will provide access to experienced professionals and industry leaders in the field of cancer research, advocacy, and innovation. This mentorship will guide me and my team in navigating the complex landscape of cancer eradication, providing valuable insights and advice to help us achieve our goals.

As an undergraduate student, I have limited financial resources, which can hinder the realization of my vision for cancer eradication. However, with the pitching and funding opportunities and support provided by Solve and their partners, I can obtain the resources needed to fund research activities, organize community programs, and develop technological solutions to improve cancer awareness and prevention.

In addition, Solve provides a platform for collaboration and partnership with other innovators, organizations, and stakeholders in the field of cancer eradication. This collaboration and partnership will enable me and my team to leverage the expertise and resources of other organizations and stakeholders, facilitating the development and implementation of effective solutions to the challenges facing cancer eradication.

Furthermore, Solve has a track record of supporting innovative solutions that have a significant impact on society. Being part of the Solve community will provide I and my team with exposure and recognition, opening up opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and funding from other organizations and stakeholders.

In conclusion, Solve presents a unique opportunity for me and my team to overcome the challenges and barriers we face in achieving our vision for cancer eradication. Through mentorship, grants, networking, collaboration, and exposure, we can fine-tune this innovative solution that will have a significant impact on society, contributing to the global effort towards cancer eradication.

Low cancer awareness is one of the leading causes of Nigeria's high cancer burden and mortality rate. Over the years, the few cancer awareness programs in Nigeria were focused on educating adults about cancer. Knowing the importance of youth in the fight against public health issues such as cancer, my project will focus on creating change from the grassroots, starting with youths mainly high school and university students. The youth are known for their curiosity, inquisitiveness, quick learning ability, and their willingness to pass on their knowledge to others. With these qualities, we can build a community of well-informed youth who are taking action against cancer. Information, they say, is power, and my project seeks to empower youths with this valuable asset - information. Therefore, while other organizations educate adults about cancer, my project will focus on educating the youth so as to build a community of cancer-aware youth and advocates who are grounded in research and health communications.

In the next one year, I will measure progress using the following metrics:

1. Train and empower 80 university biomedical students who are passionate about reducing the cancer burden in Nigeria (20 every 3 months) in the areas of health communications, research, and cancer advocacy. 
2. Visit 10 schools and impact between 2,000 - 5000 students, with each school having an average of 200 and 500 students. 
3. Get feedback from schools on how much the students are implementing what they learned during the campaign, most especially engagement in physical activities and monthly breast self-examination. This will be done through questionnaires. Their response will help us know how effective the program is.  
4. Reach up to 100,000 youth through handbills and our mobile app, social, and local media outlets. 
5. 40% increase in cancer literacy among high school students in Enugu, Nigeria.  

5-Year Impact Goals:

1. Increase cancer literacy among youth in Nigeria by 60%.
2. Empower and train 500 youth cancer advocates in Nigeria.
3. Create a sustainable community of youth cancer advocates and survivors across Nigeria.
4. Develop and disseminate cancer prevention and control materials to 1 million Nigerians.
5. Establish partnerships with key stakeholders in the healthcare industry to support cancer control efforts.

How I tend to achieve this goal:

Year 1:

1. Develop a comprehensive curriculum for cancer literacy education.
2. Train 100 university biomedical students in cancer advocacy and research.
3. Conduct cancer awareness campaigns in 20 schools, reaching 10,000 students.
4. Launch a cancer education mobile app.
5. Partner with healthcare NGOs to reach 50,000 Nigerians with cancer prevention and control materials.

Year 2:

1. Train 100 more university biomedical students in cancer advocacy and research.
2. Expand the cancer awareness campaign to 50 schools, reaching 25,000 students.
3. Launch a youth cancer advocacy network to engage and empower youth advocates.
4. Conduct a survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the cancer education mobile app.
5. Develop partnerships with government agencies to support cancer control efforts.

Year 3:

1. Train 150 university biomedical students in cancer advocacy and research.
2. Expand the cancer awareness campaign to 100 schools, reaching 50,000 students.
3. Establish a youth cancer survivor network to provide support to survivors.
4. Host a national youth cancer advocacy conference to bring advocates and stakeholders together.
5. Develop partnerships with private sector companies to support cancer control efforts.

Year 4:

1. Train 200 university biomedical students in cancer advocacy and research.
2. Expand the cancer awareness campaign to 200 schools, reaching 100,000 students.
3. Conduct a national youth cancer literacy survey to evaluate progress.
4. Develop a sustainability plan for the youth cancer advocacy network and survivor network.
5. Establish partnerships with international organizations to support cancer control efforts.

Year 5:

1. Train 250 university biomedical students in cancer advocacy and research.
2. Expand the cancer awareness campaign to 500 schools, reaching 250,000 students.
3. Establish a national cancer prevention and control resource center for youth.
4. Host a national youth cancer prevention and control summit to bring stakeholders together.
5. Evaluate the impact of the project on cancer literacy and advocacy among youth in Nigeria.

I and my team shall use the following indicators to measure our progress:

1. Number of youth engaged: we shall evaluate the number of young people engaged in the cause. We won't be looking at those just there, but the active ones. We shall have a record of all our youth champions which includes those involved in app development, research, health communications, advocacy, and those involved in championing community actions through outreaches, socials and the local media outlets. We shall get bi-annual feedbacks from these youth champions to know what ways we are serving them right and wrong and make amends where necessary. 

2. Research impact: We shall evaluate this by measuring the number of publications, presentations, and citations from our undergraduate trainees. 

3. Advocacy efforts: We hope to raise enough awareness and impact that will make major stakeholders and policy makers in government to notice our works. Then, we can suggest policies that will ensure that cancer prevalence is reduced in Nigeria. Once this is achieved, we can measure progress in this facet by tracking the number of policy changes, interventions, or initiatives that are implemented as a result of our advocacy efforts.

4. Community action impact: The impact of community action shall be measured by tracking the number of people reached through educational campaigns, outreach activities, and community events. In addition, we can evaluate impact by tracking changes in behavior, knowledge, or attitude, and the people's application of what we taught during this campaigns.

5. App usage and feedback: we shall evaluate impact by the number of downloads, usage, and feedback of the app as this can provide insights into the effectiveness of the tool in increasing cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection in our community.

6. Cancer prevalence: Lastly, we shall use data to measure the prevalence of cancer in the target communities before and after our project. this will be done after 1 year in our target community. 

The Youth Against Cancer Initiative (YACI) project's theory of change is based on the premise that youth engagement can play a critical role in reducing cancer prevalence in Nigeria, and even the world at large. The project seeks to achieve this by engaging high school and university students in Enugu in research, advocacy, and community action related to cancer, as well as developing and launching a mobile app to promote cancer awareness and connect users with cancer resources.

The project's activities are designed to achieve four key outputs:

1. Increased knowledge and awareness of cancer among high school students in Enugu using health communications. 
2. Increased capacity for youth-led cancer advocacy and community action
3. Increased access to cancer resources through the mobile app
4. Improved understanding of cancer through research

These outputs are intended to lead to four key outcomes:

1. Increased awareness and knowledge of cancer among youth in Enugu and their communities
2. Increased engagement in cancer prevention and early detection behaviors among youth and their communities
3. Improved cancer outcomes through earlier detection and treatment
4. Reduced cancer prevalence and mortality rates in Nigeria

The project's approach is innovative because it recognizes the importance of youth engagement in addressing public health challenges such as cancer. By targeting high school children, the project seeks to create a community of well-informed and engaged youth who are empowered to take action against cancer.

The project's mobile app is a key innovation that can catalyze broader positive impacts in this space. The app will provide users with access to reliable cancer information, resources, and support, as well as a platform for sharing experiences and insights related to cancer prevention, treatment, and care. The app can also serve as a tool for tracking cancer risk factors and prevalence, as well as promoting community action and advocacy.

Overall, the project's theory of change is based on a sound understanding of the problem of cancer in Nigeria, as well as the potential of youth engagement and technology to address this problem. The project's activities and outputs are designed to lead to meaningful outcomes and impact, with the potential to change the market by expanding the scope of cancer awareness and education programs in Nigeria to include youth, who have traditionally been overlooked.

The core technology that powers the Youth against Cancer Initiative (YACI) project is mobile application (app). The app is designed to serve as a one-stop-shop for cancer information, resources, and support, as well as a platform for sharing experiences and insights related to cancer prevention, treatment, and care in Nigeria.

The app will be developed using a range of technologies, including mobile app development frameworks such as Flutter, programming languages such as JavaScript, and cloud-based technologies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) to host and store data securely.

The app will be designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and easy navigation. It will feature a range of content, including articles, videos, and infographics, that will be updated regularly to ensure that users have access to the latest information on cancer prevention, treatment, and care.

In addition to providing information, the app will also feature interactive tools and resources, such as a symptom checker, a risk assessment tool, and a directory of cancer care providers and facilities. It will also enable users to connect with others who are affected by cancer, including survivors, caregivers, and advocates.

Overall, the core technology that powers the solution is mobile app technology, which will be used to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly, and interactive platform for cancer information, resources, and support.

Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity is a core value of our cancer project at Youth Against Cancer Initiative (YACI). We believe that everyone deserves access to cancer information, and every other service we offer, regardless of their socio-economic background, ethnicity, gender, or religion. To ensure that our project is inclusive and equitable, we have taken the following steps:

First, we have a diverse leadership team that reflects the demographics of the target population. Our team includes members from different ethnic backgrounds, genders, and religions. This diversity helps us better understand the needs and perspectives of the people we serve.

Second, we have set goals to increase the diversity of our team and volunteers. We shall recruit from diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people from marginalized communities.

Third, we are working to make our cancer information and advocacy campaigns more accessible to people with disabilities. For example, we are creating audio and video materials that are accessible to people with visual and hearing impairments.

Fourth, we are collaborating with local organizations that work with marginalized communities to ensure that our cancer information and advocacy campaigns reach young people who may not have access to traditional media channels.

Finally, we are continuously evaluating our work to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all members of the community. We collect feedback from participants in our programs and use that feedback to improve our approach and make our programs more inclusive and equitable.

In summary, we are committed to ensuring that our cancer project is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We believe that this approach will help us better serve the needs of the community and reduce the cancer burden in Nigeria.

As a non-profit organization focused on cancer awareness, research, and advocacy, our business model centers around providing valuable services and resources to the populations we serve. Our key customers and beneficiaries are individuals and communities impacted by cancer in Nigeria, particularly young people who are underserved in terms of cancer education and awareness.

We provide a range of products and services that address the specific needs of our target population. These include:

1. Cancer awareness and education: We offer informative resources that help people understand the causes, symptoms, and prevention of cancer. We also organize cancer awareness programs in high schools, universities, and communities to educate people on how to prevent and detect cancer early.

2. Cancer research: We invest in cancer research projects aimed at improving cancer prevention, detection, and treatment in Nigeria by training and encouraging undergraduate students to engage in cancer research. We work with local and international partners to fund research projects and disseminate the findings to the public.

3. Cancer advocacy: We engage in advocacy campaigns to influence policies that improve cancer care and treatment in Nigeria. We work with government and non-governmental organizations to advocate for policies that improve cancer care access, affordability, and quality.

4. Technology solutions: We are developing an app that will help update people about the latest trends on cancer, how to keep fit and healthy, and provide access to resources and support for cancer patients and survivors.

To provide these products and services, we rely on a range of funding sources, including grants, donations, sponsorships, and partnerships. We also collaborate with other organizations and experts in the field to ensure the quality and relevance of our work.

Our revenue model is based on a combination of donations, grants, and sponsorships. We seek to establish long-term partnerships with corporate organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders who share our mission and are willing to support our work. We also plan to monetize our technology solutions through subscriptions and targeted advertisements.

In summary, our business model is centered on providing valuable services and resources to the populations we serve, with a focus on cancer awareness, research, and advocacy. We rely on a combination of funding sources to sustain our work and establish long-term partnerships with key stakeholders.

Our strategy for achieving financial sustainability is multifaceted and centers on diversifying our revenue streams. We recognize that in order to continue making an impact, we must have a sustainable financial model that allows us to cover operational costs, invest in R&D, and scale our efforts to reach more people.

Grants and donations are one of our main sources of income. We intend to apply for grants from foundations, government agencies, and other philanthropic organizations whose missions and visions are compatible with ours. We will also seek donations from individuals and corporations that support our cause.

Furthermore, we plan to organize fundraising events such as charity walks, runs, and auctions to raise funds and awareness for our cause. We believe that engaging our community and supporters through such events will help us build a stronger network of supporters and increase our revenue streams.

Finally, we intend to look into impact investment and venture capital funding opportunities to help us scale our efforts and expand our impact. We will look for investors who share our vision and mission and are interested in helping us grow and expand.

Overall, we intend to diversify our revenue streams and investigate a combination of grant funding, product and service sales, partnerships, events, impact investment, and venture capital funding. We are dedicated to ensuring that our revenue streams cover our anticipated expenses and allow us to continue making an impact toward our goal of eradicating cancer in Nigeria.

None for now.