Innovation and Communication Lab

In partnership with the American Spaces in Sokoto, we convened 30 passionate young changemakers for a 5-hour immersive workshop on tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a One Health and design-thinking approach. Using creative tools like the fishbone analysis, participants explored the root causes of antibiotic misuse and developed seven community-based prototype ideas focused on changing behaviours and promoting responsible antibiotic use.

 

Over 85% of participants said it was the first time they fully understood how human behaviour, livestock practices, and environmental factors interconnect in driving AMR.

The UDUYARS Communication Lab was designed to move beyond theory and spark real behavioural insight. In this hands-on session, we helped participants map out everyday practices contributing to antibiotic misuse and brainstorm low-cost, scalable interventions rooted in empathy and local realities.

The workshop produced seven actionable prototypes, including:

  • A community-led storytelling campaign to shift local antibiotic perceptions.

  • A school-based peer education model to promote early awareness among students.

  • A visual signage system for pharmacies to guide responsible antibiotic dispensing.

Beyond the ideas, the Lab helped us prove a critical point: that when given the right tools and trust, young people can rethink public health challenges from the ground up. The next step is to provide mentorship and small grants to transform these ideas into pilot projects capable of driving measurable community impact.

Participant Reflections

“It was an eye-opener.” — Haneefah Abdulkadir

“I recently attended a physical session on AMR at American Spaces, Sokoto, and honestly, it was an eye-opener. The facilitators broke everything down in such a simple, engaging way that we couldn’t help but get involved.
My group focused on the improper use of antimicrobials in animals… it really opened my eyes to how serious and interconnected the issue of AMR is. Huge thanks to UDUYARS for such an insightful session!” Read her full reflection on LinkedIn 

“I first understood the application of design thinking in public health at the workshop.” — Adeleke Shakirat

“Alongside 30 passionate students, we spent over five hours immersed in conversations that felt urgent and necessary. We weren’t just talking about AMR; we were digging into why it’s happening — across humans, animals, and the environment.
By the end, we had developed practical, low-cost ideas that could shift mindsets and habits around antibiotic use. These weren’t just workshop outcomes; they were solutions rooted in real-life experiences.” Read her full reflection on LinkedIn