CAPPA’s Youth Vanguard is a growing network of young volunteers who support all areas of CAPPA’s work, from public health and food policy to environmental justice and corporate accountability. Across states, they help drive community engagement, public education, and advocacy. In January, the Youth Vanguard in Kaduna State focused their efforts on public health, with activities centred on healthy diets and support for the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax.
On January 22, members of the Youth Vanguard visited the Kaduna State Ministry of Health and met with the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Sadiq. They explained their role as volunteers working with CAPPA to educate the public on healthy diets and the dangers of excessive sugar consumption. They also discussed the SSB tax as a policy tool that can reduce sugar intake and generate funding for public health programmes.
Dr. Sadiq welcomed the engagement and described it as timely, given the rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. She agreed that the SSB tax is important for strengthening the health system, especially with limited public funding. She requested additional CAPPA advocacy materials to support the Ministry’s work and discussions with health workers and other stakeholders.
The Permanent Secretary also expressed support for youth-led health education initiatives, including radio awareness programmes and community health talks. To support collaboration, she introduced the Youth Vanguard to key public health officials within the Ministry. CAPPA’s posters and fliers were also displayed in the Ministry as part of ongoing public education efforts.
Pictures taken with officials of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health
The Youth Vanguard continued their outreach on January 28 with a school sensitisation visit to St. Anne’s Secondary School in Kaduna. Addressing over 500 students, they discussed the health risks of sugary drinks and encouraged healthier choices, such as drinking water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages.
The students and staff showed strong interest in the discussion. Members of the school’s Press Club interviewed the Youth Vanguard, asking questions about healthy food options and how young people can take part in advocacy. CAPPA also donated research and advocacy materials to the school library to support continued learning.
Through direct engagement with government institutions, schools, and communities, the Youth Vanguard continues to help build awareness and support for policies that protect public health.
Pictures taken at St Anne’s Secondary School in Kaduna
