Through the CHANGE Challenge, I gained valuable insights into implementation science specifically tailored toward vaccine preventable cancers prevention. I understood that implementation should be people-centered. Also, the theories, models and frameworks used in dissemination and implementation science was better understood.
Moving forward, I plan to build on this knowledge by participating in more workshops on vaccine-preventable diseases and public health campaigns. I will also apply the strategies learned to scale up HPV vaccination initiatives, leveraging local partnerships and continuing my involvement in public health advocacy.
The CHANGE Challenge improved my capacity to connect with underserved communities in Nigeria. It taught me how to frame health messages in culturally relevant ways that resonate with local values and beliefs. I also learned how to identify key community stakeholders to foster partnerships that drive change. My efforts to reduce cervical cancer by promoting HPV vaccination were met with more success as I used community-driven approaches rather than one-size-fits-all messages.
This experience has made me more empathetic and responsive to the specific needs of the populations I work with, allowing me to address barriers to vaccine uptake, such as misinformation and limited access to healthcare services.
One of the key insights I gained is the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to health interventions. Working with diverse partners, including healthcare workers, government agencies, and community leaders, revealed how collaboration is critical for sustainable public health interventions. Additionally, I came to understand the power of storytelling in shifting public perceptions and increasing vaccine acceptance.
I also realized that addressing cervical cancer in Nigeria requires more than just medical interventions. It involves understanding the socio-economic and cultural factors that influence health-seeking behavior.
I would advise future CHANGE challenge scholars to stay open to learning from the Change challenge team. They have so much wealth of experience and are ready to build up others. I also recommend building strong networks with other scholars and professionals in the field. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are vital for developing effective strategies and scaling up successful initiatives.
