International Youth Day: How Youth Volunteers Are Driving DHDC’s Public Health Mission.
On International Youth Day, a powerful message rang out across the globe: young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the change-makers of today. The Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) joined forces to put this belief into action, highlighting the crucial role youth play in shaping a healthier world.
In a statement shared on its social media platforms, the DHDC urged young Nigerians to step forward and lead. “We refuse to wait for the future, we choose to lead NOW, and be the change,” said Mrs. Debora Ikeh, Executive Director of DHDC. This call to action emphasizes the profound impact youth can have when empowered to tackle public health challenges.
Why Youth Are Essential to Global Health
Youth make up a huge part of the population in many nations, and their energy, creativity, and tech-savviness are invaluable assets. When young people are empowered to participate in healthcare awareness, advocacy, and innovation, the ripple effects can be transformative.
In Nigeria, youth involvement in health initiatives has been essential for breaking stigmas and bridging the gap between communities and healthcare providers. With challenges ranging from infectious diseases to lifestyle-related illnesses, tapping into the enthusiasm of young volunteers can help build healthier societies from the ground up.
DHDC’s Fight Against Tuberculosis in Nigeria
The Debriche Health Development Centre has placed the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) at the forefront of its mission. Its expansive network of young volunteers across Nigeria spearheads intervention programs and awareness campaigns to reduce TB cases and improve early detection. This grassroots approach has been critical in reaching remote and underserved communities, proving that local action driven by youth can make a huge difference.
Connecting Youth Voices to Global Leaders
To celebrate International Youth Day, DHDC volunteers joined young leaders from around the world for a special chat with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, and members of the WHO Youth Council. This interactive session allowed young people to share their experiences and solutions directly with global decision-makers.
The discussions focused on the WHO Youth Council Declaration on Creating Healthier Societies, which addresses three key areas: promoting health education, ensuring accessible healthcare, and elevating youth leadership. Participants highlighted critical gaps in healthcare, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria, where poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and a lack of access to essential medicines persist. By proposing practical, on-the-ground solutions, youth leaders ensured their voices were heard in shaping future policies.
“Youth Are the Heartbeat of Change”
In his opening remarks, Dr. Tedros emphasized the vital role young people play in global health advancement. “Youth are the heartbeat of change. With innovation, solidarity, and bold action, they can build a world where health equity and hope reaches everyone and no one is left behind,” he said. He stressed that collaborative efforts across borders and generations are essential for creating healthier, more resilient societies.
The session underscored the urgent need for interventions that directly address systemic gaps in health systems. The message was clear: sustainable change begins when young people are given a seat at the table.
