Participating in the Change Challenge has been a transformative experience for me—both professionally and personally. As I reflect on our community-centered initiative to combat vaccine-preventable liver cancer in Abuja, Nigeria, I am reminded of the complexity and urgency of this public health issue.
Our study focuses on increasing awareness, knowledge, and uptake of the Hepatitis B vaccine in Bassa Jiwa, a high-density community located along Airport Road in Abuja, consisting of four settlements. Despite a population of approximately 132,000 residents, data from the Primary Health Care database reveals that only 1.7% have received the Hepatitis B vaccine. This alarmingly low rate underscores the urgent need for strategic, community-driven interventions.
Understanding the Public Health Challenge
Abuja has a high incidence of Hepatitis B and liver cancer, yet vaccine acceptance remains low—particularly in underserved communities like Bassa Jiwa. Liver cancer is largely preventable through vaccination, but prevention efforts are often hindered by limited awareness, misinformation, access barriers, and trust deficits within communities.
Our initiative seeks to bridge these gaps by implementing targeted, culturally responsive strategies that prioritize community engagement.
The Power of Community-Centered Models
One of the most valuable lessons I gained through the Change Challenge is the importance of community ownership in public health initiatives. Our approach incorporates three key intervention models:
- Medically-Based Counseling – Providing accurate, evidence-based health education through trained professionals.
- Mother–Infant Interventions – Targeting pregnant women and newborns to prevent early transmission and protect the next generation.
- Community Health Campaigns – Engaging local leaders, gatekeepers, town criers, health workers, and organizations to build awareness and trust.
These models demonstrate that effective health interventions must be tailored to the specific cultural, social, and structural realities of a community. Public health solutions are not “one-size-fits-all”; they must be localized and inclusive.
Key Challenges and Considerations
While the initiative holds great promise, several challenges must be carefully managed:
- Participant Recruitment and Retention
Sustaining engagement throughout the study will be critical to success. - Vaccine Access and Availability
Addressing supply chain issues and ensuring consistent vaccine availability is essential. - Community Trust and Buy-In
Building strong relationships with community leaders and residents is fundamental. Without trust, even the most well-designed intervention will struggle to succeed.
Through this process, I learned that trust-building is not a secondary activity—it is the foundation of impactful public health work.
Data-Driven Impact and Policy Influence
A central strength of our study is its commitment to robust data collection and analysis. Evidence gathered from this initiative will:
- Inform policy and guide best practices
- Support data-driven decision-making
- Shape liver cancer prevention strategies
- Help address health disparities in vulnerable populations
If successful, our models could be replicated in other regions, expanding the impact beyond Bassa Jiwa and contributing to broader public health improvements across Nigeria.
Personal and Professional Growth
The Change Challenge significantly strengthened my understanding of:
- Community engagement as a driver of health outcomes
- Health equity and the importance of focusing on vulnerable populations
- Evidence-based decision-making in public health
- The complexity of implementing sustainable interventions
By actively engaging in this initiative, I gained deeper insight into how public health strategies must balance research, empathy, collaboration, and systemic thinking.
Sustainability: Thinking Beyond the Project
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the initiative. Long-term impact requires more than short-term implementation. To ensure continuity, our sustainability plan includes:
- Gradual Transition of Ownership
Transferring responsibility to community organizations to promote local leadership. - Diversified Funding Strategies
Developing long-term financial plans to reduce dependency on a single funding source. - Capacity Strengthening
Training healthcare providers and community organizations to maintain the initiative. - Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation
Regular assessment to measure impact and adapt strategies as needed.
Sustainable public health innovation requires foresight, adaptability, and local empowerment.
Final Reflection
The Change Challenge did more than enhance my technical skills—it reshaped my perspective on public health leadership. I learned that lasting impact happens at the intersection of data, community trust, cultural understanding, and sustainable planning.
Most importantly, I gained the confidence and competence to contribute meaningfully to initiatives that aim to reduce health inequities and promote preventive healthcare in underserved communities.
