VPH Voces Para Humanizar/HPV Voices for Humanizing

The vaccination against HPV in Colombia has been primarily biomedical, disregarding the sociocultural factors that influence both the transmission and spread of HPV infection and the impact of public health policies assumed to control it. Additionally, the approach to sexual education has historically been theoretical, technical, and prohibitive, reinforcing social stereotypes, promoting prejudices towards young people, and in many cases, furthering ignorance.

This has perpetuated the population's mistrust of the institutional framework and the lack of knowledge about the virus, preventing scientifically informed decision-making regarding the comprehensive development of sexuality based on sexual and reproductive rights for adolescents and young people, the population targeted by the HPV immunization strategy in the country.

CONTEXT In Colombia, the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) immunization have been adopted as the main strategy for preventing cervical cancer, which can be fatal for women, especially in poor countries. However, the strategy experienced a decline in coverage following a school vaccination campaign carried out between 2013 and 2014 in the rural municipality of El Carmen de Bolívar, where several adolescents suffered side effects and became victims of institutional and gender-based violence, perpetuating stereotypes based on sex, gender, and socioeconomic status, among other factors.

Initially, vaccination in Colombia was targeted only at females under 18 years of age, but by 2023, it has been expanded to include males in the same age group. In September, the National Government began implementing vaccination for males under 18 years old, starting in El Paraíso neighborhood of Ciudad Bolívar, thereby expanding vaccination coverage. Nevertheless, the perspective remains primarily biomedical, lacking a clear pedagogical strategy for communities to inform them about vaccination, risks, and the comprehensive promotion of sexual and reproductive health.

These two cases highlight the need to develop evidence-based information strategies tailored to the sociocultural contexts of the populations, fostering close and ongoing dialogue between institutions, citizens, and other sectors.

HPV Voices for Humanizing: Empowerment, Co-creation and Innovation.

We will contribute to humanizing the HPV prevention process by promoting access to comprehensive sexual education and giving a voice to young people, recognizing their fundamental role in influencing public actions and their sexuality based on sexual and reproductive rights. To achieve this, we will develop the HPV Voices for Humanizing (VPH Voces Para Humanizar in spanish) Youth Leadership School , which will produce a toolbox created in a participatory manner with young people and an audiovisual tool in the form of a documentary-style short film that will showcase the experiences related to the development of the School and its impact.

Empowerment to Decide and Influence:

We will establish the HPV Voices for Humanizing Youth Leadership School in the Paraíso neighborhood to enhance knowledge and ownership of sexual and reproductive rights, enabling access to comprehensive sexual education for young people and empowering them to humanize their exercise of HPV-related rights. The primary objective will be to leave a sustainable and multiplying capacity within the community for the long term through an incubation process of innovative ideas that will later be promoted as impactful products resulting from the School.

Co-creation for Humanization:

Building upon the Voices for Humanizing Youth Leadership School, we will create Innovative Toolboxes to raise awareness about HPV at the social and cultural levels. Additionally, we will produce a documentary-style short film, originating from youth and intended for youth. Employing participatory methodologies, we will conduct a pedagogical process to design a set of playful strategies using humor, clear language, Colombian customs, music, art, and scientific knowledge. The audiovisual tool in the form of a documentary-style short film will illuminate the experiences related to the School's development and its impact.

Innovation for Impact:

We acknowledge the importance of new technologies and social media in giving a voice to young people, which is why we believe it is essential to use them to spread the message about the significance of HPV and sexual and reproductive health among young people through the widespread dissemination of the two project products, making them accessible to anyone in the country. Both products will be accessible without the need for an internet connection, understanding the complexity of access in the territory:

The documentary-style short film will raise awareness about the importance of creating territorial leadership for the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights and HPV prevention. It will be disseminated primarily within El Paraíso neighborhood community but will be uploaded to all the school's social media platforms and made available for download to be reproduced in areas without an internet connection.

The toolbox will be directed at deepening interactive knowledge about sexual and reproductive rights and HPV prevention, and it will also cater to those interested in replicating the process in other communities across the country. It will be primarily distributed through social media in downloadable formats to increase the impact of our prototype project.

The target population is located in the same city, specifically in the locality of Ciudad Bolívar, one of the most densely populated and vulnerable areas in terms of living conditions. Additionally, access to sexual and reproductive health services for the general population and youth is very limited. It is in this area that the actions will be implemented to address the lack of awareness regarding sexual and reproductive rights, specifically the Human Papillomavirus and its predominantly impactful effects on the lives of women:

Main Target Population: Youth between 14 and 28 years old from the El Paraíso neighborhood in Bogotá (where the first vaccination campaign for individuals under 18 years old will commence). These youth will be trained as leaders in sexual and reproductive rights, becoming individuals who exercise their sexual and reproductive rights consciously and informedly, and influence public decisions in this regard.

Secondary Target Population: 

Young social media users interested in finding interactive and enjoyable information about sexual and reproductive rights. 

Institutions, collectives, social organizations, and companies aiming to work on sexual and reproductive rights and HPV prevention with adolescents and young people.

Our team consists of two young female professionals in the field of social sciences with experience working with youth in the city of Bogotá:

Diana Munar is a young woman from Bogotá, 29 years old, a political scientist from the National University of Colombia. She started as a student leader in 2014 and has been a leader in youth processes in neighborhoods since 2019. She has worked with communities in the southern part of the city and has been closely involved in addressing the issues affecting the population in popular neighborhoods, such as El Paraíso. She has developed projects related to participation and political advocacy with this population. Diana had no scientific information about HPV and faced barriers to vaccination due to access issues in the healthcare system. Recently, she has been involved in implementing gender equality projects in various areas of the city and has worked with vulnerable populations and victims of the country's internal conflict.

Juana María Fuentes is a 27-year-old young woman, a Social Worker from the National University of Colombia. Originally from Boyacá, she has been living in Bogotá for the past 10 years. She was part of the Women's Advisory Council of Duitama, served as a student representative at the university, and volunteered for the Pacific Alliance in humanitarian assistance and language exchange in Beauvais, France. Since 2020, she has been working on sexual and reproductive rights, gender, and diverse populations with various communities, primarily focusing on young people in Bogotá. She also has experience in project monitoring and evaluation with NGOs and international cooperation organizations.

This year, we've had the opportunity to make initial contact with the young population of Bogotá about their knowlenge and doubts about VPH, understanding their concerns and questions on the subject. Additionally, we've conducted research and diagnostic work, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the issue.

As a result, our solution goes beyond the concept, as we have sufficiently identified a problem and developed a product model according to the community's needs. Our solution is in the prototype phase, part of a process we've developed to make it viable in generating products that effectively impact the issue. It has long-term potential and sustainability strategies for moving forward into the next phases.

The "VPH Voces Para Humanizar" solution is innovative in empowering young people and giving them a voice in promoting comprehensive sexual education and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prevention for the very first time. This recognizes their role in transforming public policies. The creation of a "HPV Youth Leadership School" focuses on sustainability and the multiplication of youth processes through the incubation of innovative ideas. Co-creation involves young people in the development of educational tools, such as an "Innovative Toolbox" and a "Documentary Short Film." Dissemination leverages technology and social media, ensuring accessibility even in areas without an internet connection. In summary, the innovation lies in its comprehensive, participatory, and technological approach to addressing HPV prevention and promoting sexual and reproductive health from and for youth.

Regarding the future impact of the "VPH Voices for Humanizing" project, we expect to influence the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being: Reduction in HPV infection rates and the promotion of sexual and reproductive health within the community.
• SDG 4 - Quality Education: Increased awareness and access to comprehensive sexual education among young people.
• SDG 5 - Gender Equality: Empowerment of young women and promotion of gender equality in sexual health matters.
• SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals: Establishment of cross-sectoral alliances and collaboration with institutions and organizations to drive HPV prevention.

In five years, the impact would be more significant, with potential contributions to the same SDGs but on a larger and sustainable scale. Additionally, it could influence the creation of new public policies related to sexual education and HPV prevention, indirectly benefiting various SDGs, including those related to equality, health, and education in a broader context.

Next Year (1 year): Implementation Stage: 

Development and Launch: During the first year, the complete project implementation will take place, including the establishment of the "HPV Youth Leadership School," the creation of the "Innovative Toolbox," and the "Documentary Short Film." Leaders and facilitators will be trained, and active youth participation will be promoted. 

Awareness Campaigns: Targeted awareness campaigns will inform the local community about the project and its significance in HPV prevention and the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights. 

Continuous Evaluation: Throughout the implementation, continuous evaluation will ensure that activities align with project objectives and are executed effectively. This implementation stage is crucial to ensure the project unfolds as planned and achieves the desired outcomes in the first year.

Five Years (5 years): Sustainable Impact: 

In the long term, the project should focus on sustainability. The Barrio Paraíso community and other replicating communities are expected to be capable of leading similar initiatives independently.

Collaboration Networks: Establish strong partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare professionals to ensure a broader and lasting impact. 

Impact Measurement: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of accumulated impact over the five years, including the decrease in HPV infection rates, the increase in knowledge of sexual and reproductive rights, and the strengthening of youth leadership in the promotion of sexual and reproductive health.

Replication and Scalability: Explore the possibility of taking the project to other communities and regions, leveraging lessons learned and best practices from the pilot project. 

Continuous Visibility and Awareness: Maintain project visibility through long-term awareness campaigns, using social media and other communication strategies to reach a wider audience.

General Objective: 

Strengthen the capacity of young innovators in the development, implementation, and growth of solutions addressing their sexual and reproductive rights (SRHR) needs related to the prevention of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in El Paraíso, Bogotá.

Level of Results: 

Result 1: Train young leaders from El Paraíso on SRHR and HPV prevention topics. Indicator: Number of trained young people. Means of Verification: Attendance and participation records.

Result 2: Create educational tools to raise community awareness about sexual and reproductive rights and HPV. Indicator: Creation of the "Innovative Toolbox" and the "Documentary Short Film." Means of Verification: Documents and videos created.

Result 3: Conduct local awareness campaigns about the project. Indicator: Attendees at awareness campaigns. Means of Verification: Campaign reports and evidence of their execution.

Result 4: Continuously monitor and evaluate project activities. Indicator: Continuous evaluation report. Means of Verification: Evaluation documents and monitoring records.

Level of Impact:

 Impact 1: Empower young people to lead similar initiatives in SRHR and HPV prevention. Indicator: Number of young people participating in the Leadership School. Means of Verification: Reports and evidence of youth-led projects.

Impact 2: Establish alliances with governmental and non-governmental organizations to expand the project's impact. Indicator: Number of alliances established. Means of Verification: Documented agreements and memoranda of understanding.

Impact 3: Evaluate the cumulative impact in terms of reduced HPV infection rates and increased SRHR knowledge. Indicator: HPV vaccination rate and SRHR knowledge level. Means of Verification: Knowledge surveys.

Impact 4: Replicate and scale the project to other communities and regions. Indicator: Publication and reach of tools on social media. Means of Verification: Social media statistics on project expansion.

This Logical Framework presents a clearer and more logical structure, linking project activities with immediate results and long-term impacts on the target population and the community as a whole.

Our solutions team is a group of committed young people dedicated to addressing social issues, specifically related to youth, gender, equality, and sexual and reproductive health. We focus on developing and implementing projects that have a positive social impact in Bogotá and other areas of Colombia.

Currently, the initiative is led by two young women:

In the problem identification and initial outreach, a core group from the youth social organization Project 8 participated, and we have taken actions with a group of approximately 14 participants.

In 2023, we initiated our approach to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) through studies and cultural interaction. We conducted an event to assess knowledge and interest in HPV and promote participation in our project. Subsequently, in a virtual meeting, ideas for research, media, and educational strategies emerged. Later, we organized an in-person discussion with experts and young individuals committed to HPV prevention. Furthermore, we were admitted to present a paper at an international colloquium on public policies. Throughout the process, we maintained an online presence to disseminate information and promote our activities.

Our project demonstrates a strong focus on inclusive, people-centered design, with a particular emphasis on gender equity and equal access to information and services for underserved communities, making it especially relevant for women and other marginalized groups. We will incorporate people-centered, inclusive design through the following strategies:

Community Engagement: The creation of the "Youth Leadership School," educational tools such as the "Toolbox," and the "Documentary Short Film" as a product are developed in close collaboration with the community, especially with young people. This ensures that the solutions are designed with and for the individuals who will be most affected and that they reflect their diverse needs and perspectives.

Gender Focus: By focusing on gender equality and prioritizing women-centered design solutions, we will ensure that the Leadership School encompasses diversity in gender identities and perspectives. Training and awareness processes will promote that the responsibility for HPV prevention and the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights lies not only with women but also with men and diverse individuals. Our project recognizes the importance of addressing gender inequalities and ensuring that women have equitable access to sexual and reproductive health information and services.

Local Culture: The inclusion of Colombian cultural elements in playful strategies and communication demonstrates sensitivity to cultural diversity and community proximity, ensuring that the solutions are culturally appropriate.

Affordable Dissemination: The availability of downloadable products without the need for an internet connection prioritizes solutions that are accessible to underserved communities, reflecting equity in the distribution of information.

Rights Awareness: Training in sexual and reproductive rights addresses the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, promoting equal access to information and services related to sexual and reproductive health.

Our project operates two business models:

Donation Model: 

Funding through Donations and Grants: Through government organizations, foundations, and international agencies interested in youth, sexual and reproductive health, gender, and diversity issues. 

Strategic Collaborations: Establishing partnerships with organizations that share similar objectives and are willing to fund or co-implement related projects. 

Crowdfunding: Using crowdfunding platforms to raise funds from individual donors interested in the cause.

Product Sales: 

Educational Resources: By developing educational materials such as the "Toolbox" or other resources, we consider selling them to educational institutions, civil society organizations, or even interested individuals.

Branded Products: Considering the creation of branded products related to our mission, the sales of which can finance our projects. 

Consulting, Awareness and Advocacy Services: Offering these services on the topics we address, especially in corporate or educational settings and interest groups.

Our social impact sustainability model will be based on our ability to generate a positive impact on society, which can attract investors and clients with varying financial capacities. Therefore, our strategy will involve diversifying income sources to reduce dependence on a single source and provide resilience in the face of market changes. Some key steps to develop our social impact sustainability model include:

1. Definition of Impact Objectives: We will begin by identifying specific social impact objectives we aim to achieve with our project at various stages, ensuring they are clear, measurable, and aligned with our mission.

2. Stakeholder Identification: We will identify all stakeholders who will be affected by the project, both positively and negatively, including beneficiaries, the local community, and other relevant groups.

3. Impact Assessment: We will conduct a comprehensive assessment of how our project will influence the social environment.

4. Impact Strategies Design: We will create specific strategies to address and improve social impact. This will include the implementation of sustainable practices, promotion of social justice, and enhancement of the quality of life in local communities, among other actions.

5. Impact Metrics: We will establish key performance indicators that enable the measurement and evaluation of progress toward our social impact objectives.

6. Integration into the Business Model: Our impact strategies will be integrated into our business model. This involves creating sustainable products or services, adopting responsible management practices, and considering an ethical supply chain, among other aspects.

7. Transparent Communication: We will transparently communicate our efforts and achievements in social impact to stakeholders, including investors, clients, partners, and the community at large.