Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project

According to Envuladu EA et al, (2022), Healthcare (Basel) (2022), there is high rate of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges among adolescents in Nigeria. The young people in particular are vulnerable to these diseases due to lack of awareness, limited access to affordable healthcare services and in-adequate health education as one of the fundamental national issues affecting the youth and the vulnerable groups. According to African Journal of Reproductive Health (2022), appreciable progress with regards to contraceptive knowledge and use has been made, but knowledge, informed decision and use of contraceptives among youth showed very wide variation among countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) than in other regions of the world. A significant number of people globally without access to contraception are young people, which have led to high number of unwanted pregnancy, high maternal mortality, and illegal and clandestine abortions among young people. Moreso, they lack knowledge about good nutrition, mental health care, and hygiene practices. This knowledge gap hinders their ability to make informed decision and adopt health behaviours. Furthermore, inadequate youth engagement in health promotion, where their perspectives, needs and innovations ideas are often overlooked, hindering the effective and relevance or interventions and limited peer-to peer education that would have influenced and shaped the behaviours of young people to become health advocates in their communities.

The scale of these problems is substantial, as millions of young individuals in rural communities worldwide face these challenges. According to WHO (2017), estimates that 214 million women of reproductive age in developing regions have an unmet need for modern contraception. They lack of access to contraception contributes to unintended pregnancies and maternal mortality, especially in rural areas. Moreover, a study by the Guttmacher Institute (2015), indicates that young people in rural areas often face difficulties accessing reproductive health services and education, resulting in higher rates of unplanned pregnancies and a lack of essential health services. It has been reported by National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (2022) about six out of ten in Nigeria especially the youth lack access to youth-friendly health care services such as stigma, discrimination, health and wellness. The problems young individuals face in rural communities regarding SRHR access are exacerbated by factors such as geographic isolation, limited access to contraception, limited choice of methods, lack of healthcare infrastructure, economic disparities, cultural barriers, and limited educational resources. Government policies and funding priorities also play a crucial role in perpetuating or mitigating these issues. Consequently, our organization: Smart Health Compass Foundation has seen the need to implement “Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project (YHAP) in South South Nigeria to tackle the problems.

Smart Health Compass Foundation has developed a Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project (YHAP). YHAP is a project aims to empower and educate young individuals with comprehensive knowledge about various health-related topics, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and skills to become ambassadors for health and wellness, with a strong focus on leveraging technology for these purposes. This project typically involves training and mobilizing 300 youths to advocate for better health practices and access to healthcare services while utilizing various forms of technology. Our goal is to create a network of empowered and informed young individuals who will serve as advocates for health and wellness across the South South Nigeria where sexual and reproductive health and right is a serious concern. YHAP will engage activities and various forms of technologies such as health education on safe sex, mental health, STDs and prevention, sexual reproductive health and their rights, utilizing social media resources and campaigns to reach a wider audience, utilizing artificial intelligence chatbots to enhance health advocacy, education, and communication. We will engage live Questions and Answers sessions with health experts, whatsApp and online forums for information sharing and engage. We will utilize data analytics and digital tools to track and analyze health trends and community needs, enabling more targeted and effective health campaigns, and we will use monitoring and evaluation tool to measure the impact of the project. These strategies will ensure that we achieve a significant impact and sustainability of the project.

We are targeting the young people especially women (15 to 35 years), who are underserved in rural communities. They have average education with passion for technology such as social media and are able to read and write.

Our solution name (Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project), provides young women  with valuable health education and information, helping them make informed decisions about their well-being. 

Second, it equips youths with digital and tech skills that are increasingly important in today's world, which enables them know how create and share information and ideas, problems related sexual and reproductive health and rights with experts through social media platforms.

Third, by becoming health-tech ambassadors, youths can feel empowered to take charge of their health and inspire their peers to do the same. 

Fifth, our solution encourages youths to become advocates for health and well-being in their communities, schools, and online. 

Sixth, through technology, it will address mental health and safe sex, family planning issues and provide a platform for young people to seek support and guidance.

Seventh, It facilitates connections among young people who share an interest in health and technology, fostering a sense of community  engagement.

Eighth, YHAP contributes to innovative solutions and technologies that address health challenges facing their generation.

Ninth, by engaging with technology and health, they can work towards reducing health disparities and improving access to healthcare services and finally can contribute to their personal growth, self-confidence, and leadership development among young participants. These young people are currently underserved in the following ways:

• They have limited access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights and maternity care services in rural areas.
• Inadequate SRHR Education in safe sex practices, contraception, etc contributing to unintended pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
• Cultural and religious taboos surrounding sexual health affects them discussing sexual and reproductive health issues
• Financial constraints makes it difficult for young people to afford contraceptives, prenatal care, or mental health support.
• Rural areas often lack access to public transportation, which affects their access to public health services.
• Traditional gender roles and inequalities affect young people from  making informed decisions.
• Government policies and funding do not adequately prioritize SRHR services in rural areas

Through YHAP, Smart Health Compass will address their needs by tackle sexual and reproductive health issues by training and equipping health Ambassadors to improve health knowledge and awareness in rural communities both physically and virtually. YHAP will collaborate with NGOs, healthcare providers and government agencies, the project aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure, implement sex education programs, reduce stigma, promote gender equality, and ensure affordable, confidential, and respectful sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services. This cooperative effort will address vital challenges, ultimately improving the well-being and rights of young women in rural communities in South South Nigeria

Our team is well positioned to deliver the project in the following ways:

Need assessment:   Our team has conducted need assessment and interviews with youth, especially the young women, to identify health-tech needs, challenges, and aspirations in some communities that we are serving. This need assessment was done through the youth leaders and community volunteers, who will also participate in  leadership and decision makings.

Experience: Our team is has wealth of experience in terms of expertise and leadership in project management in many communities in South South Nigeria. Out team comprised of members with diverse expertise. This includes backgrounds in healthcare, technology, education, and project management.  Also, they possess experience related to youth empowerment, health-tech solutions. Consequently, our organization assigns roles according to their strengths, and appoints a project leader to provide direction and coordination.

We have established  a youth focus groups to directly involve them in shaping the project and hosted town hall meetings to allow young people to voice their opinions and ideas about the project.

 Relationships with the Community we serve: Our team has built strong relationships with our community in such a way that two of our team are currently community leaders. We have collaborated with local schools, youth organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to get their ideas, fed backs,  leverage their support, involvement, and insights to tailor our project to the specific needs and preferences of the community. We conduct surveys and focus groups to gather valuable input.

 Data and Knowledge: Smart Health Compass Foundation established a robust data collection and analysis system by utilize technology, social medial platforms, blogs  to gather fed back, relevant health data, track the impact of the program, and make informed decisions. Data-driven insights will help us adapt our project as needed. Additionally, we stay updated on the latest trends and developments in youth health and technology through continuous learning and collaboration with experts.

 Partnerships and Collaborations:  We have forged partnerships with organizations and institutions relevant to Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project by collaborating with healthcare providers, tech companies, educational institutions, and local government agencies. These partnerships will provide resources, knowledge, and support to ensure the project’s success.

 Feedback Mechanisms: We have implemented a system for continuous feedback and improvement during and after the project. We encourage open communication with the youth ambassadors, mentors, and community members regularly because regular feedback helps us identify challenges and opportunities for enhancement.

 Adaptability and Innovation: We are open to adapt to changing circumstances and technological advancements. Thus, we encourage innovation in our organization to explore new, more efficient ways to achieve your goals.

 Genda Alignment: We have will ensure that the project’s goals align with the community's health and tech priorities and communicate clearly with the communities to show how their input is shaping the project.

Monitoring and Evaluation: We have implemented a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of the project  by using metrics and key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of the project and make data-driven decisions. 

530 users

Through YHAP, Smart Health Compass is pioneering innovation by adopting a multifaceted approach that integrates various digital tools and platforms. These innovative strategies, including the use of youth health Ambassadors, social media resources, blogs, AI chatbots, data analytics, WhatsApp, live Q&A sessions, and online forums, are instrumental in catalyzing broader positive impacts within the health tech space to address the problem of sexual and reproductive health issues of the youth.

The strategic use of social media resources and blogs is one of the core strengths of the project. By maintaining an active presence on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, the project can rapidly disseminate information, share success stories, and promote health tech awareness. Blogs provide a platform for in-depth discussions, showcasing thought leadership and industry insights, which can be critical in educating a wider audience about sexual and reproductive health rights.

Artificial intelligence chatbots represent a cutting-edge tool for engaging with the community. These chatbots offer immediate responses to common queries, creating an accessible and responsive information source. They can assist in guiding individuals to relevant resources, streamlining the learning process, and offering personalized assistance, which is invaluable in addressing the diverse needs of the audience.

Data analytics plays a pivotal role in the project’s effectiveness. By tracking engagement metrics, demographic data, and content performance, the program can adapt and tailor its approach to better serve its target audience. Insights from data analytics allow for evidence-based decision-making, optimizing resource allocation, and maximizing the project’s impact.

The WhatsApp communication platform provides a convenient and direct channel for communication between youth ambassadors and their audience. This approach ensures that information is readily accessible and that ambassadors can provide real-time support and answers to questions. The familiarity and widespread use of WhatsApp enhance the project's reach and accessibility.

Live Questions and Answers sessions and online forums offer interactive platforms where experts and ambassadors can engage directly with the public. These real-time discussions facilitate a deeper understanding of health tech topics, allow for nuanced queries, and provide a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences. By fostering this direct interaction, the project can build trust and community involvement.

The catalytic impact of these digital tools and platforms is not limited to the immediate participants. It extends to the broader health tech space by democratizing access to knowledge. Through blogs and social media, the project empowers anyone interested in health tech to access valuable insights and resources, creating a more informed and engaged audience.

The online forums facilitate discussions that can lead to collaborations, new ideas, and the identification of key challenges. This open dialogue has the potential to inspire innovation and promote positive change within the health tech sector.

By engaging a diverse audience and facilitating knowledge exchange, the project ensures that its benefits ripple outward, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the entire health tech ecosystem.

The Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project’s impact goals for the next year and next five years align with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SDG 3), ensuring access to safe sex, family planning, and overall wellness for youth (SDG 5 and SDG 3). To achieve these goals, the project must pursue targeted strategies:

Next Year (Year 1):

1. Raise Awareness: In the next year, the project should focus on raising awareness among youth regarding sexual and reproductive health, making informed decisions, family planning, and the importance of safe sex. This can be achieved through social media campaigns, educational webinars, and partnerships with schools and community organizations.

2. Educational Programs: We intend to develop comprehensive educational programs that address the specific needs of youth. These programs should include information on contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), mental health, and wellness. Collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure accurate and up-to-date content.

3. Community Engagement: Our organization will encourage young Ambassadors to engage with local communities and facilitate open dialogues about these crucial topics. This could involve organizing workshops, support groups, and community events.

Next Five Years (Years 2-5):

1. Access to Healthcare: Smart Health Compass Foundation will ensure that youth have increased access to affordable and confidential healthcare services related to sexual and reproductive health. We will achieve this through partnerships with healthcare providers, telehealth options, and mobile clinics.

2. Technological Solutions: We will continue to innovate by developing health technology solutions that specifically cater to the needs of youth health. These might include mobile apps for family planning, AI chatbots for confidential advice, and data analytics for tracking health trends.

3. Advocacy: Our organization will extend advocacy efforts at regional and national levels to influence policies that promote youth sexual and reproductive health and rights. Collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations to drive policy changes.

4. Global Reach:  Smart Health Compass Foundation will expand the project’s reach to address these issues on a global scale. We will achieve this through partnerships with international organizations, sharing best practices, and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation: We will implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track progress and impact. Collect data on the number of youth reached, improvements in sexual and reproductive health indicators, and changes in attitudes and behaviors.

6. Collaboration: Smart Health Compass Foundation will foster partnerships with UN agencies, such as UNFPA and UNICEF, that work towards similar goals. This collaboration can bring additional resources and expertise to the project.

7. Research and Innovation: Support research projects that focus on youth sexual and reproductive health, encouraging innovation and the development of new solutions.

By aligning these goals with the UN SDGs, the Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project can make a significant impact over the next year and the next five years. The key to success lies in a multi-pronged approach that combines education, technology, advocacy, and community engagement to achievement of broader sustainability goals.

The Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project is poised to address a myriad of critical issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights among young women. By leveraging technology and youth engagement, this project is expected to bring about a range of impacts, including outputs and outcomes, to combat these challenges as follows:

1. Raising Awareness:

   Output: The project can produce awareness campaigns, digital content, and educational materials that specifically target young women, spreading knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights.

   Outcome: Increased awareness can lead to a better-informed young female population that understands their rights and the available services, making them less vulnerable to misinformation.

2. Access to Reproductive Health Services:

Output: Our foundation will develop mobile apps and digital platforms to connect young women with nearby clinics, healthcare providers, and telemedicine services.

Outcome: Improved access to reproductive health services, including family planning, prenatal care, and STI testing,will lead to better health outcomes and increased  access for young women.

3. Informed Decision-Making:

  Output: Interactive decision-making tools and online resources will be created to help young women understand their options regarding abortion, child spacing, contraceptives, and other safe sex methods.

  Outcomes: Informed decision-making empowers young women to take control of their reproductive choices, leading to healthier lifestyles and improved well-being.

4. Violence and Discrimination Prevention:

  Output: The project will offer reporting mechanisms through mobile apps to address instances of violence or discrimination.

  Outcomes: Creating safe spaces for young women to report and seek help can reduce instances of violence and discrimination, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being.

5. Comprehensive Sexuality Education:

 Outputs: Online courses and information resources can be developed to educate young women about sexual and reproductive health, consent, and relationships.

 Outcomes: Comprehensive sexuality education equips young women with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices and develop healthy relationships.

6. Access to Information on HIV and STDs:

  Outputs: Mobile apps can provide real-time information on HIV and STDs, including prevention, testing, and treatment options.

  Outcomes: Improved access to information helps young women protect themselves from these diseases and seek timely medical attention when needed.

The Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project is expected to deliver these outputs and drive meaningful outcomes in several ways. Young women will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices, reducing the prevalence of unintended pregnancies, maternal mortality, and the spread of STIs. Additionally, increased awareness and access to services can empower young women to assert their rights and combat discrimination and violence. The project’s long-term impact may include healthier, more informed, and empowered young women who can take control of their sexual and reproductive health, contributing to their overall well-being and societal progress.

Full time staff: 5

We have been on working our solution for the past 4 years

‘Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project” can effectively incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles to ensure it is accessible, representative, and equitable for all participants. DEI is crucial in promoting fairness and equal opportunities in such initiatives through the following approaches:

1. Recruitment and Outreach:

   To ensure diversity, the initiative should actively reach out to young people from various backgrounds, including different ethnicities, genders, and socio-economic statuses. Collaborating with community organizations and schools in underrepresented areas can help attract a diverse group of participants.

2. Training and Education:

 We will develop comprehensive training materials that address health-tech from various cultural and social perspectives. Ensure that the educational content is accessible to participants with different learning styles and abilities.

3. Mentorship and Support:

Our organization will provide mentors and role models from diverse backgrounds who can guide and inspire participants. These mentors should represent different genders, races, and backgrounds to ensure that all youth feel they have someone to look up to.

4. Accessibility:

 We will make sure the project’s materials, events, and resources are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes providing captioning for videos, screen reader compatibility for online resources, and physical accommodations for in-person events.

5. Inclusive Decision-Making:

Youth participants will be involved in the decision-making process and leadership of the project and allow them to have a say in the program’s structure, activities, and goals. This empowers them and ensures their perspectives are considered.

6. Cultural Competence:

Our organization will train program leaders and staff in cultural competence to understand and respect the unique backgrounds of participants. This includes recognizing cultural sensitivities and avoiding stereotypes.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation:

 Continuously assess the initiative’s impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Collect data on participant demographics and their experiences to identify any disparities and make necessary improvements.

8. Safe and Inclusive Environment:

We will foster a safe and inclusive environment where all participants feel respected and valued. Implement anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, and encourage open dialogue about diversity-related issues.

9. Celebrate Diversity:

  We will recognize and celebrate the diversity of the participants through cultural events, awareness campaigns, and highlighting success stories from various backgrounds.

Our organization’s service model to the targeted population include the following:

Funding:  We secure funding from a mix of sources, including government grants, personal savings, team contributions, corporate sponsorships, foundations, and individual donations. This financial support will enable the initiative to offer its services to youth communities.

Engaging Health Ambassadors: We select, engage, train and equip young individuals, who are health Ambassadors both physically and virtually to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights issues of young individuals.

Application of Technology: To make our YHAP effective and reach others globally, we engage technologies such as social media platforms, artificial intelligence chatbots, data analytics, whatsapp platforms, mobile apps, and blogs

Awareness Campaigns: We conduct awareness campaigns about the project benefits through social media platforms, seminars and personal contacts with individuals.

Collaboration with Schools and Organizations:  We partner with local schools, community centers, and youth-focused organizations to reach a diverse group of young people. These partnerships can provide access to facilities and participants.

Curriculum Development:  We develop a comprehensive curriculum that covers sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, social media  literacy, and wellness education.  

Gender-Inclusive Learning Environment:  We create a safe and inclusive space where young women can express themselves and discuss their experiences, concerns, and ideas without fear of judgment on sexual and reproductive health issues and their rights

Community Engagement:  We engage with communities to explain the benefits of having more young women involved in health tech. Collaborate with local leaders and community influencers to build trust and understanding.

The “Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project” is a commendable project that focuses on leveraging technology to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights and well-being of young individuals, especially the young women. To ensure its long-term success and financial sustainability, the project can employ several strategies to generate funds for project implementation.

1. Grants and Sponsorships: The project can seek grants from governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as corporate sponsors. These entities often support projects aligned with their mission and objectives, especially those with a social impact focus. By crafting compelling proposals, the projct can secure funding for its projects.

2. Crowdfunding Campaigns: Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer a great opportunity to engage the community and raise funds. The project can create campaigns that resonate with potential donors, allowing them to contribute directly to specific projects as a whole.

3. Corporate Partnerships: Collaborating with tech companies and health organizations is another avenue for financial support. These partnerships can involve co-funded projects, in-kind contributions, or shared resources. In return, companies can benefit from positive publicity and aligning with a socially responsible cause.

4. Membership Contribution: We create a membership system where individuals pay for exclusive access to the services or information can be a steady source of income. Additionally, offering subscription-based content or tools that cater to the health and wellness needs of young people can generate recurring revenue.

5. Educational Workshops and Training: We leverage the knowledge and expertise of the team members, it can offer workshops and training programs on health-related topics. These can be monetized, serving as a source of revenue while fulfilling the educational aspect of its mission.

6. Government Funding:   We advocate and engage with government bodies, which result in grants or contracts to provide specific health-related services or products to the youth population.

7. Impact Investment: Some investors are looking for projects that not only generate financial returns but also create positive social or environmental impact. The project can seek impact investment from individuals or organizations aligned with its goals.

8. Strategic Alliances: Collaborating with other like-minded organizations in the health and technology sectors can lead to cost-sharing and pooling resources for joint projects, enhancing the financial sustainability of all involved.

9. Foundations’ Savings:  The foundation saves money to carry out social projects or to compliment donations and grants from organizations,

 “Youth Health-tech Ambassador Project” can generate funds for its projects and achieve financial sustainability through a diversified approach. By combining traditional fundraising methods with modern online strategies, engaging both corporate and individual supporters, and seeking partnerships that align with its mission, the initiative can secure the resources needed to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of young people.