Oluwaseun Osanyinro
Nigeria
Master’s in Public Health Student
I am Oluwaseun Osanyinro, a 26-year old female Nigerian. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and I am currently pursuing a Master’s program in Public Health at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
I am a creative writer of both fictional and nonfictional stories. I began writing stories at an early age of 11 years which my classmates would read and give feedback and began my writing career online in 2019. I currently run a blog on wordpress at deejemima.wordpress.com where I speak about business, my belief and health.
What inspired you to enter the World NTD Day Story telling competition?
As a creative writer and a Public Health advocate, I found a niche that I could use both my talent and career to speak passionately and create awareness on Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Why does fighting NTDs matter to you?
As the name implies, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) have been neglected too long while health organizations and sectors faced other diseases giving little or no hope to patients of NTDs. Increased awareness through health education as a primary intervention and increase in care through therapies and medications as a secondary and tertiary intervention would help to eliminate and eradicate NTDs.
How do you intend on continuing the fight against NTDs after this competition?
I would create more and more awareness through creative writing online, create an avenue for health education in my community as a Public Health advocate and support my community within my means through environmental sanitation and supply of insecticide treated nets.
What would be your request to your country’s leaders regarding fighting NTDs?
Nigeria has successfully eradicated Dracunculiasis (guinea worm) which is a great step in fighting Neglected Tropical Diseases. However, a vertical system of approach will achieve more. Health centers specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases should be created in each state of the country. With a single focus, these centers will sensitize their host communities, encourage environmental sanitation and with adequate funds, provide insecticide treated nets.
