Sexual health in Nigeria is often shrouded in stigma, making it difficult for young people, especially girls, to access reliable SRH information. Adolescents frequently turn to peers or unreliable sources for guidance, resulting in widespread myths and misconceptions about sexual health. For young women and girls, this lack of access can be particularly dangerous, exacerbating their vulnerability to gender-based violence, early marriage, and other health risks.Girls are often discouraged from discussing sexual health due to conservative beliefs that suggest these conversations may encourage promiscuity. As a result, this perpetuates ignorance and shame surrounding the topic. These challenges highlight the need for solutions that provide accurate, non-judgmental information, empowering adolescents to make informed decisions about their bodies.
To address these challenges, Education as a Vaccine (EVA) developed the My Question and answer (MyQ)services, a confidential, technology-driven platform designed to provide adolescents with expert SRH information. My Question and Answer allows young people to ask questions via calls or text messages and receive prompt, accurate responses from trained counselors. The service has become a beacon of hope for adolescents who need reliable information but fear judgment or reprisal.
Since its inception, My Question and Answer has answered over one million questions, addressing concerns ranging from menstrual health and puberty to relationships and contraceptive use. By offering a safe space for inquiry, My Question and Answer helps dismantle the stigma surrounding sexual health discussions and equips young people with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.
Through this service, Education as a Vaccine has answered over 1 million questions through voice calls, text messages, and online submissions and has been recognized as one of the six best sex education programs around the world. In addition to the My Question and Answer services, Education as a Vaccine has expanded its technological approach through the development of 3 applications;
Diva App: A menstrual health app designed to educate young girls about their bodies and menstrual hygiene, helping them track their cycles and manage their health with confidence. To access the Diva app, young people especially girls are advised to download via play store or IOS app.
Frisky App: This platform empowers users to assess their sexual health risks and make informed decisions about their sexual behavior and can also be accessed via via 📲 08006978378466 (Toll Free),📱 08027192781 (WhatsApp), 💬 SMS to 3812 where people get to interact with a counselor in confidentiality without risk of exposing their identity or knowing whom the counselor is. People can also stay updated and get fun contents and messaging via Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
LinkUp App: A service locator app that connects adolescents with youth-friendly SRH services across Nigeria which can be downloaded via google play store.
These digital tools are crucial in a country where access to SRH services can be limited by geographical, financial, and social barriers. By putting information directly in the hands of young people, Education as a Vaccine is not only improving SRH literacy but also fostering a culture of empowerment and care.
Through MyQ and other platforms, Education as a Vaccine (EVA) has transformed the lives of countless adolescents across Nigeria. By conducting outreach programs in schools, such as Government Secondary Schools in Mabushi, Gwarimpa, and Jabi, Education as a Vaccine has reached over 700 adolescents with vital sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information. Events like Children’s Day and Menstrual Hygiene Day have further amplified these efforts, offering opportunities to dispel myths and promote healthy practices.
Social media campaigns have also played a significant role in extending the reach of My Question and Answer services. For example, a campaign on Menstrual Hygiene Day engaged over 10,000 people on Facebook, facilitating critical conversations around menstruation and sexual health. By normalizing these discussions, Education as a Vaccine is breaking down barriers and promoting a more informed and open dialogue about SRH.
The success of My Question and Answer lies not only in its immediate impact but also in its long-term sustainability and Education as a Vaccine continues to innovate and adapt its strategies and approach to ensure that adolescents have access to the information and support they need to make more informed health decisions.
By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to youth empowerment, Education as a Vaccine is not only addressing the immediate SRH needs of adolescents but also laying the foundation for a healthier, more informed future. My Question and Answer is more than just a service—it is a torchlight illuminating the path toward better sexual and reproductive health for Nigerian youth, especially women and girls, who have long been underserved.
As Education as a Vaccine continues to expand its reach, it serves as a model for how innovative solutions can drive social change. Through our work, Education as a Vaccine is helping to create a generation of adolescents who are informed, confident, and equipped to make decisions that positively impact their health and well-being.