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Alhan Islam’s True My Voice partners Devex and Gates Foundation to revolutionize public health advocacy through poetry

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Alhan Islam’s True My Voice partners Devex and Gates Foundation to revolutionize public health advocacy through poetry
Written by Areatatafo

Alhan Islam’s True My Voice partners Devex and Gates Foundation to revolutionize public health advocacy through poetry

By Ayo Onikoyi

True My Voice, a 2024 UN SDG Awards finalist in Creativity, partners with Devex and the Gates Foundation to transform global health storytelling through poetry. Founded by poet and digital strategist Alhan Islam, it redefines advocacy with creative expression.

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The collaboration focuses on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), a pressing yet often overlooked public health issue affecting millions worldwide. Through this partnership, True My Voice has curated and produced a series of poetry-driven advocacy pieces, amplifying voices from communities directly impacted by NTDs.

At the AHAIC Connected for Change Conference 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, this innovative approach took center stage when “Ominira”, a Yoruba-language spoken word piece written and performed by True My Voice poet Pariolodo, was showcased during a session on localized storytelling in global health.

The Vice President on Partnerships at Devex (Alexander Cabaret) also shared :  

“Our partnership with True My Voice brings the fight against NTDs to life through powerful storytelling in the voices and languages of the communities most affected. It’s a creative force that’s helping Devex and the Gates Foundation reach new audiences, shift the narrative, and drive bold action toward eliminating these diseases by 2030. The response so far has been incredible, from viral social content to resonating performances on global stages. It’s also a new kind of partnership: Devex brings editorial reach and storytelling expertise, the Gates Foundation contributes deep technical insight, and TMV delivers the creative spark that makes the message unforgettable.”

Reflecting on this milestone, Alhan Islam shared:

“For too long, critical public health conversations have been confined to reports and data. But policy is not just numbers, it’s people, stories, and emotions. Poetry has the power to translate complex health challenges into deeply human experiences that move people from awareness to action. This partnership is proof to how storytelling can be a formidable force in advocacy.”

Alhan Islam’s approach to art-driven advocacy has not only shifted the paradigm in global health communications but also reinforced the role of the creative economy in impact work.

Beyond storytelling, True My Voice is pioneering a new model for creative advocacy one that ensures young poets are not just heard, but economically empowered.

Through its work, True My Voice:

– Trains young poets in digital advocacy, equipping them with tools to engage in global conversations.

– Secures paid storytelling opportunities, ensuring that impact-driven content creation is also a sustainable career path.

– Provides micro-loans and content creation starter packs, investing in the next generation of socially conscious creators.

– Fosters partnerships for impact, aligning with SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Speaking about the significance of this work, Arielle, Gates Foundation’s Lead for NTD Policy & Advocacy, remarked:

“This campaign aims to amplify awareness on NTD’s using the power of storytelling , poetry and localised content creation, this campaign seeks to address stigma, promote prevention and foster community dialogue on NTD’s. By integrating poetry into global health discussions, they are making these conversations more accessible, relatable, and ultimately, more powerful.”

As the impact of this campaign continues to grow, True My Voice and Alhan Islam remain committed to expanding the intersection of art, policy, and economic empowerment. With increasing global recognition, this partnership marks just the beginning of a larger movement one that elevates creative voices in public health and beyond.

The post Alhan Islam’s True My Voice partners Devex and Gates Foundation to revolutionize public health advocacy through poetry appeared first on Vanguard News.

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