HIV self-testing: Youth get N450,000 prizes for innovative ideas

Out of 50 youth who attended the first-ever health Designation in Nigeria, three teams have been rewarded with up to N450,000 in cash prizes, entrepreneurship start-up kits, certificate of attendance, and other prizes for their innovative ideas on HIV self-testing among the Nigerian youths. The three-day Designathon which was held at the Digital Bridge Institute […]

Out of 50 youth who attended the first-ever health Designation in Nigeria, three teams have been rewarded with up to N450,000 in cash prizes, entrepreneurship start-up kits, certificate of attendance, and other prizes for their innovative ideas on HIV self-testing among the Nigerian youths.

The three-day Designathon which was held at the Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos recently was organized by the 4Youth By Youth Group (4YBY) and funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH).

ITEST Principal investigator, Dr. Juliet Iwelunmor said, “We want to give young talented people the spaces, the resources and the tools they need to ‘think outside of the box’ and develop solutions to encourage other young people self-test for HIV. According to research, one in five youths have never tested for HIV.”

To ensure more youths are tested in the comfort of their home, the designathon was then organized so youths can create solutions for other youths to benefit from, she noted.

The organisers said the programme seeks to promote Nigerian youth participation in innovation and entrepreneurship that will lead to sustainable solutions for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) prevention in Nigeria.

Participants were empowered with materials that helped them bring their ideas to life. Judges from various industries chose the top three teams with the most viable ideas and designs.

The five teams which participated will also take part in a 4-week boot camp where they will be trained by knowledgeable mentors on how to become successful entrepreneurs.