During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, YSA produced a series of mental health podcasts to address challenges young people faced during that difficult time. In 2022–2023, recognising barriers to accessing global health publications due to academic complexity or lack of awareness, YSA developed the Collab Lab project. This initiative animated published research from OUCRU and partner institutes, making academic publications more accessible and understandable. Collab Lab achieved impressive success, gathering hundreds of thousands of views, and has been continued with a new young team.
This year, they have launched an ambitious project called “Protect Us From Tetanus” (PUFT). PUFT aims to bridge the gap between public knowledge and the severity of tetanus—a dangerous yet preventable disease that often goes overlooked.
This project was born out of alarming statistics and a clear need for community education.
A study by Dr Nguyen Thanh Phong, Specialist II, Head of the Infectious Department D, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, revealed that out of 152 adult tetanus cases admitted from January – June 2016, only one patient had been vaccinated against the disease. Moreover, a survey by YSA found that tetanus ranked second to last among infectious diseases of concern for young people.
The PUFT project includes a number of activities designed to engage relevant segments of the community. For example, patients and carers can take part in Hospital Health Talks.
Partnered with doctors at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases and OUCRU, YSA conducted an informative session to spread important information about tetanus prevention and treatment. Continuing with the interactive and engaging approach, YSA plan to use forum theatre to educate the public about tetanus. This method allows for active participation and helps in delivering the message visually and effectively. The performance is also digitalised, aiming to reach an even wider audience.
OUCRU’s Public and Community Engagement Group offered essential training to build young people’s capacity, including communication skills, project planning, execution, and reporting skills.
Key strengths of the YSA project are its collaborative and proactive nature. Young people from YSA are empowered to take action themselves, from working closely with OUCRU’s Emerging Infectious Group and the Public and Community Engagement Group to identify knowledge gaps and develop their own strategies.
To stay updated on the progress of the PUFT project and other initiatives by the Youth Science Ambassadors as well as Public and Community Engagement group, head to OUCRU’s official website: https://www.oucru.org/