Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
Bauchi — The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public health initiatives in schools through international collaboration, with a focus on technology-driven solutions. This assurance came from the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Mohammed Lawal Rimin Zayam, when he received a delegation from Upswell, a global non-governmental organization renowned for its expertise in social media–based health campaigns. The team was led by the organization’s Global Head of Behavioral Lab, Sarah Francis, who was in Bauchi to discuss potential areas of cooperation in raising awareness on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among school-aged children.
In his remarks, the Commissioner described the visit as timely and expressed his appreciation for Upswell’s commitment to advancing innovative approaches in public health. He explained that Bauchi State under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed had consistently pursued policies that placed both health and education at the center of its development agenda. According to him, partnerships such as this would help sustain those efforts by using modern tools to reach students and their families with accurate information. He assured the visitors that the ministry’s platforms and personnel were fully open for collaboration, emphasizing that the state would provide every necessary support to ensure the success of the campaign.
Sarah Francis outlined Upswell’s vision for its partnership with Bauchi, stressing that their campaigns are rooted in community-centered strategies that blend digital communication with on-the-ground engagement. She noted that while HPV vaccination has been globally recognized as one of the most effective measures to prevent cervical cancer, coverage in Nigeria remains far below expected levels. In her view, the challenge is not only one of supply but also of perception, as misinformation, cultural concerns, and hesitancy often stand in the way of parents consenting to the vaccination of their children. By leveraging digital advertising, strategic content creation, and grassroots partnerships, Upswell believes it can help break down these barriers and encourage broader acceptance of the vaccine.
The Commissioner, in response, explained that the campaign aligns with the state’s broader health and education initiatives, particularly efforts to integrate wellness into the school environment. He pointed out that a healthy student population is essential for academic performance and overall development. He further stressed that Bauchi State has invested in creating safe and conducive learning environments, but that without health interventions such as vaccination drives, those investments may not yield their full potential.
During the meeting, discussions also touched on the critical role of data management in shaping effective public policy. Sarah Francis emphasized that the future of public health lies in data-driven decision-making, warning that institutions that fail to develop strong data management systems risk being left behind. Dr. Rimin Zayam welcomed this perspective, noting that Bauchi State has begun to strengthen its capacity in this area and would benefit from Upswell’s expertise in integrating data and digital tools into its education system.
The delegation’s visit featured an interactive session between the Upswell team and senior officials of the Ministry of Education. The session provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange ideas on how best to adapt global strategies to local realities. Upswell made a presentation on its training opportunities and technological solutions, while the state’s officials highlighted the peculiar challenges faced in reaching rural communities and overcoming entrenched myths about vaccination. Both parties agreed on the need to form a technical working group to develop a framework for collaboration and to monitor the impact of any future campaigns.
Health experts continue to warn that cervical cancer, largely caused by untreated HPV infection, remains a major public health threat in Nigeria. The World Health Organization has repeatedly stressed the importance of vaccinating girls between the ages of nine and fourteen, yet uptake in the country remains low due to a combination of poor awareness and logistical challenges. For Bauchi, a partnership with Upswell presents an opportunity not just to increase vaccination rates but also to strengthen public confidence in health interventions delivered through schools.
As the meeting came to a close, Dr. Rimin Zayam praised Upswell for its bold initiatives and expressed optimism that the collaboration would bring tangible benefits to students and their communities. He reiterated that Bauchi State was ready to play its part and looked forward to seeing a healthier and more informed student population emerge from the campaign. For Upswell, the visit was the beginning of what it hopes will be a model program for other states in Nigeria, proving that innovation, data, and strong partnerships can make the difference in saving lives and building healthier societies.
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