Youth-led Public Health Initiative Tackles Neglected Tropical Diseases in Makoko

By Oladayo Nuel

In the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, is the underserved waterfront community of Makoko, where a young public health professional is making waves with her community-driven approach to combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Sandra Olisakwe, a Youth Corps Member with the Disease Surveillance Department of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, has emerged as an admirable figure in public health intervention and advocacy, focusing on disease prevention, health education, and mass drug administration campaigns.

Makoko, known for its dense population and limited sanitation infrastructure, faces an ongoing battle against waterborne diseases and parasitic infections, including cholera, schistosomiasis, and intestinal worm infestations.

The lack of proper sewage disposal and clean water access has left thousands, especially children, highly vulnerable to preventable illnesses. Recognizing these critical health threats, Olisakwe initiated public health programs that combine mass drug administration with community education, aiming to break the cycle of disease transmission.

Confronting Public Health Challenges in Makoko Olisakwe is mobilizing and educating local residents, including women, children, and their families,
on the importance of proper hygiene and preventive healthcare, emphasizing the dangers of open
defecation and contaminated water sources.

Through targeted awareness campaigns, she is empowering families with practical knowledge of sanitation and disease prevention.
Olisakwe has been at the forefront of coordinating mass drug administration campaigns, ensuring that children aged 5 to 14 years old receive essential treatments for schistosomiasis and lymphatic
filariasis. These interventions, which she implemented with support from the local government and community stakeholders, have directly impacted thousands of lives, reduced the burden of parasitic infections and promoted better health outcomes in the region.

“My role is to break down barriers to healthcare access,” Olisakwe shared in a brief interview during one of her community outreaches. “For too many people in communities like Makoko, basic health services remain out of reach. Simple, cost-effective interventions like deworming can transform health outcomes, yet many residents lack the necessary information or access to benefit from
these services.” I routinely analyze surveillance data for the state, and identify high-burden hotspots for these interventions.

A Call for Collaborative Action in Building Sustainable Health Practices
The fight for equitable health access demands coordinated efforts from government agencies, NGOs, international health bodies, and community leaders. Addressing sanitation infrastructure gaps, expanding community access to regular deworming programs, and reinforcing public education efforts are essential strategies moving forward. Sandra Olisakwe’s impactful work in
Makoko illustrates how empowering communities with knowledge and targeted health interventions can drive meaningful change. Sub-national governments should consider investing in youth-led public health initiatives like this.

“My vision remains clear as I continue my advocacy journey: eliminating barriers to quality healthcare, one community at a time,” Olisakwe stated.