By Rianat Abosede Wahab
“I provide care and support services for patients living with HIV and vulnerable people for them to have access to quality health and social services”– Kayode Teslim
Kayode Teslim Owoso is the program officer at Foundation for Sustainable Health Promotion and Development (FOSHPAD). He is a social worker with over six years of experience in providing care and support services for a marginalized individual in rural communities of Nigeria for them to gain access to quality health services. Kayode has implemented projects funded by USAID, World Bank, Malala Fund and other donors while working as a program officer with Foundation for Sustainable Health Promotion and Development (FOSHPAD). He also works as a Social Media Advocate for United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria.
Moreover, He’s an Alumnus of Ekiti State University, World Bank Group, Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Center and Accra Business School where he studied Geology, Management in Health, Civic Leadership, Leadership and Management respectively. He has shown great skills in managing several interventions geared at reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and associated burden among vulnerable groups, increasing access of vulnerable children and households to quality services.
Interestingly, Kayode was conferred by Accra Business School, Ghana as a Fellow of the African Young Leaders Fellowship Programme (AYLFP), he was recognized by Ekiti State Government as HeforShe Ambassador. He is a member of the International AIDS Society (IAS). His vision is to achieve an HIV/AIDS-free society.
HOW ARE YOU LOCALIZING THE SDGS IN NIGERIA?
I work with community stakeholders such as community leaders, religious leaders, market women, youths and others by educating them on sexual reproductive health and how they can achieve quality health service. I led several grassroots mobilization and awareness campaign to enhance the knowledge and capacity of community members and leaders to acquire much knowledge about SDGs and know their importance.
PLEASE TELL US MORE THE MAIN PROJECT YOU ARE WORKING ON
I provide care and support services for people to have access to quality health and social services by supporting people living with HIV and vulnerable people. I am a strong advocate for child and women rights. I strongly support the campaign for universal access to girl-child education in Nigeria, prevention of Gender-based violence and violence against women and girls, access to sexual and reproductive health services for women and young people.
PLEASE SHARE SOME OF THE IMPACT STORIES
To achieve good health and wellbeing, I distribute free condoms and also ensure condoms are available in the hotel, bar centres and accessible for people at any time.
HOW IS THE PROJECT ENSURING THAT NIGERIA ACHIEVES THE SDGS BY 2030?
Globally, the world aims to achieve an HIV free society by 2030 which is also applicable in Nigeria too, by sensitizing the general public on the spread and prevention of HIV by using a condom, medical drugs and medical advice.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OR CONSTRAINTS AFFECTING THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROJECT AND WHAT ARE THE SUPPORT YOU NEED?
Lack of financial support, lack of materials such as HIV test kits, IEC materials etc.
YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE
They should take their health as a priority.
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