Standing with Science: From Community Evidence to AI-Enabled Sisterhood 🩺
Yesterday was World Health Day 2026, and the theme resonated deeply with my journey: “Together for health. Stand with science.”
For over a decade, I have stood with science across Nigeria and Africa- from conducting participatory research for fistula repair across communities, to leading cascade trainings for donor-funded programs. Whether I was working with Daughters of Virtue and Empowerment Initiative (DOVENET), Search for Common Ground, or Save the Children International, the goal was always the same: Turning evidence into action.
But "standing with science" in 2026 looks different than it did in 2016. Today, it means leveraging the power of Responsible AI and Behavioral Economics to protect the health of our most vulnerable.
Right now, through Edge Social Impact Partners, we are taking a "One Health" approach to adolescent well-being. We are currently piloting EdgeBot- a Digital Big Sister designed to support 5,000 girls in FCT, Borno, and Ebonyi.
How are we standing with science in this project?
Evidence-Based Design: We are not just building a bot; we are applying the Hooked Model and Fogg Behavior Model to ensure health habits like nutrition and MHM actually stick.
The Sirri Protocol: We’ve developed a "Privacy-First" governance framework. Science tells us that shared-device environments are a risk for girls; our Tokenized Pseudonymity allows girls to access life-saving info without compromising their identity.
Local-Global Collaboration: Aligning with the Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres, we are proving that African-led, community-based HCD (Human-Centered Design) can create global standards for AI Ethics.
Health is a human right, but science is the engine that delivers it. As we celebrate #WorldHealthDay, I am more committed than ever to building technology that is as safe as it is smart.
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