Dele Fayemi is a public health and human rights advocate with special interests in drug policy reforms and sexual and reproductive health and rights. He believes in a society where human rights and health of marginalized groups are protected. He is a member of the International AIDS Society (IAS) and the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network (CYGEN). Through this platforms he is able to advocate for rights and health of marginalized groups. He is also a fellow of the Young Africa Leaders Initiative, West Africa. Dele loves volunteering, hence, he is a volunteer with Strategy and Innovation for Development Initiative (SI4DEV), Women’s Rights Defender with YouthHub Africa, Christian Basic and Medical Health Foundation, to mention a few.
Here is his story….
In the last four years I have been actively involved in volunteerism, drug policy reforms advocacy and sexual and reproductive health and rights. My interests are around making sure marginalized groups including drug users, women and girls rights and health are protected. Presently, I am the Abuja Coordinator, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) Nigeria where I advocate for the rights and health of people who use drugs based on evidence based drug policies. I have sensitized more than 2000 students on the issue of drugs and it’s abuse across states in Nigeria including the federal capital territory, Abuja. As an ardent human rights advocate, I advocate for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls in Nigeria. I have carried out HIV peer education services for young people especially girls in Edo state, Nasarawa and Abuja, all in Nigeria. In the last few years, more than 3000 young people have benefited from my peer education services.
I am inspired to take this action due to the negligence of marginalized groups in the society like women and girls, people who use drugs and youths in general. These groups need support, care and support not stigmatization or discrimination.
Message to young people
Young people should be given an opportunity to thrive and be heard. Young people should act as agents of change in their communities.
His social media handles : Facebook – Dele Fayemi, Twitter – @deleprof1, Instagram – Dele Fayemi