The Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Research and Training (CESRTA) at the University of Abuja has announced the winners of its content creation competition, designed to promote free newborn screening for sickle cell disease at various Primary Health Centres in the Federal Capital Territory.
Anthony C. Ndubisi, a 600-level medicine and surgery student, won in the jingles category with his creative and engaging audio content aimed at raising awareness about the importance of early screening for sickle cell disease. Annette Yakubu, a 300-level medical student, was awarded the top prize in the video category for her compelling visual presentation, which highlights the benefits of newborn screening and encourages parents to take advantage of the free services offered.
Both winners received monetary rewards and the unique opportunity to collaborate with CESRTA to further develop their content for broader public dissemination. This partnership will allow them to refine the jingle and video, enhancing their effectiveness in reaching a wider audience as part of the centre’s ongoing campaign to raise awareness about newborn screening for sickle cell disease.
Professor Obiageli E. Nnodu, Director of CESRTA, commended the participants for their creativity and commitment to supporting the centre’s mission. She noted that the competition was open to all students at the University of Abuja and served as a valuable platform for students to engage with public health issues and contribute to life-saving initiatives.
“The content creation competition has not only provided a platform for students to showcase their talents but also allowed them to play a direct role in our efforts to combat sickle cell disease through increased awareness and early intervention,” said Professor Nnodu. She emphasized the importance of public engagement in the fight against sickle cell disease, which remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria.
CESRTA’s content creation competition is part of a broader strategy to involve young people and leverage innovative communication methods to enhance public health campaigns. By empowering students to use their skills in content creation, CESRTA aims to foster a community-driven approach to health education, particularly in areas that are critical to reducing the burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
The collaboration between CESRTA and the winning students is expected to produce highly impactful content that will be used in ongoing and future campaigns, reinforcing the message that early detection and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by sickle cell disease.
