Winners of the HPV-themed NNCGSI announced!
In October 2024, the Nursing Now Challenge launched a new Global Solutions Initiative in collaboration with the Sabin Vaccine Institute’s Global HPV Consortium.
Over the course of seven weeks, hundreds of nurses and midwives from around the world attended a series of webinars and workshops which provided a deep dive into the prevention, detection and treatment of HPV and cervical cancer, facilitated discussion about the challenges faced by nurses and midwives and gave participants the opportunity to explore innovative approaches to tackling the HPV burden at local and global levels.
Globally there are an estimated 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths due to cervical cancer each year, with the incidence of cervical cancer rising among young women 15-49 years of age. Nurses and midwives have a vital role to play in ensuring access, acceptance and uptake of preventive services and this NNCGSI challenged participants to think critically to develop an innovative solution to do just that.
Today, we are delighted to announce the winners of this NNCGSI!
Get to know our NNCGSI winners…
Constance
“When I got the email, I was ecstatic. Have you ever wanted something with all your heart and then got it? This coming when I am just looking to begin my career after school is like a lurch out of my starting holes in a sprint race.” Constance Naliaka, Pre-Intern Nurse, Kenya. Constance Naliaka is a pre-intern nurse who has completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Kisii University in Kenya. She is a member of the Nursing Now Challenge Challengers’ Committee and she actively volunteers with The Reproductive and Sexual Health Programme for Kenyan Teenagers (RESPEKT) where she participates in creating awareness on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights. She has a keen interest in impacting her community through research and innovation in healthcare.
Benedicta
“Receiving the news of my selection as a winner of the NNCGSI was a surreal moment—seeing “Congratulations” in the subject line made my heart race, almost as if I was bracing for disappointment after the initial excitement. This experience has been nothing short of incredible, and I am thrilled to have contributed to such a meaningful initiative.” Ogunyinka, Benedicta Oluwafisayomi, Nursing Student, Nigeria.
Ogunyinka, Benedicta Oluwafisayomi is a fifth-year nursing student at the University of Ibadan, passionate about research, student advocacy, and healthcare innovation. She serves as the Deputy Speaker of the Faculty Student Representative Council and leads the Academic and Mentorship Committee of the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students Association, University of Ibadan Chapter, where she drives academic support and mentorship initiatives. Her research interests focus on female reproductive health, and she was a co-author and second runner-up in a YOHAN Africa mini-research project on malaria prevention. As a registered nurse and certified family planner, she actively participates in community health outreaches and campus-based health initiatives.
Mitchel
“I’m beyond grateful and truly humbled by this incredible honour! This achievement fuels my passion for nursing innovation and motivates me to set even higher goals. I’m excited to connect with global health leaders, contribute to meaningful change, and encourage fellow students and early-career nurses to step up as future pioneers in healthcare.” Mitchel, Akinyi Awiti, Nursing Student, Kenya.
Mitchel Akinyi Awiti is a 3rd-year Nursing student at Chuka University with a passion for healthcare innovation, community engagement, and student advocacy. She serves as the Media Team Director of the Chuka University Nursing Students Association, where she leads in health education initiatives. She is an active member of the ROTARACT Club of Chuka University, also holds the role of Secretary General in the Special Projects Committee of the Kenya Student and Novice Nurses Chapter, contributing to student empowerment. She aspires to be a Community Health Nurse and researcher, dedicated to driving impactful change in healthcare.
Constance, Benedicta and Mitchel will now present their solutions at the upcoming Global HPV Consortium Partners’ Meeting where they will have the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders in this field and showcase their creative and innovative solutions. Stay tuned for more on this, coming soon!
