Dear HIFA Community,
Greetings from Nigeria!
I am pleased to join Healthcare Information For All (HIFA), a global community committed to ensuring that everyone has access to reliable healthcare information to protect their health and make informed decisions. [*see note below]
My academic journey includes studying Human Physiology at Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria. I am currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (PGDPH) at the University of Abuja, Nigeria, further strengthening my knowledge and interest in public health practice, health promotion, disease prevention, and population health.
Additionally, I completed an intensive three-month training programme in the Design and Management of Cancer Clinical Trials course, Hosted by the University of Miami, Florida, USA, strengthening my understanding of clinical trial protocols, research processes, regulatory requirements, and funding considerations.
My experience includes serving as a Clinical Research Volunteer with Sickle Support and Health Access Initiative (SSHAI) and a Public Health Intern at Change Makers Consulting Limited. These roles form part of my continuing professional development and commitment to clinical research and public health practice.
I also serve as the Director of Research, Education and Innovation at the Youth Coalition Against Cancer (YOCAC), Nigerian Cancer Society, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Through this leadership role, I am interested in supporting research activities, advancing cancer education, promoting innovation, and encouraging collaboration to address public health challenges.
My areas of interest include infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), cancer prevention and awareness, clinical research, health literacy, and community-based health education. I am particularly passionate about translating scientific evidence into accessible, understandable, and actionable health information for individuals and communities, especially underserved populations.
As a HIFA member, I look forward to learning from healthcare professionals, researchers, health information specialists, and public health advocates across the world. I hope to contribute to discussions, exchange knowledge, explore collaborative research opportunities, and support initiatives that improve access to reliable healthcare information.
I am especially interested in bridging the gap between scientific research and community understanding, strengthening health literacy, and promoting equitable access to evidence-based health information in Nigeria and globally.
I believe that reliable healthcare information is fundamental to informed decision-making, stronger healthcare systems, and improved health outcomes.
Thank you for welcoming me into this community. I look forward to learning, contributing, and collaborating with fellow members.
Kind regards,
Joshua Iorember Akaa
Director of Research, Education and Innovation,
Youth Coalition Against Cancer,
Nigerian Cancer Society,
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,
Nigeria.
HIFA profile: Joshua Iorember Akaa is Research, Education & Innovation Lead at Youth Coalition Against Cancer, Nigerian Cancer Society, Nigeria. Professional interests: Clinical Research, Epidemiology & Global Health akaajoshua2022 AT gmail.com
[*Note from HIFA moderator (NPW): Welcome Joshua. I am excited to read that you are Director of Research, Education and Innovation at the Youth Coalition Against Cancer. I see from your website that 'The Youth Coalition Against Cancer (YOCAC) is the official youth wing of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS). We are a dynamic, youth-led movement dedicated to reducing the cancer burden in Nigeria through awareness, prevention, advocacy, and support initiatives targeted at young people.' https://nigeriancancersociety.org/yocac I would like to invite you to invite all members of YOCAC and NCS to join us; www.hifa.org/joinhifa We look forward to learning from you about health education and information in Nigeria relating to cervical cancer and other cancers. We have noted that there are barriers to HPV vaccination in adolescent girls as well as reluctance among women (or their partners) to attend screening.]