True My Voice, Devex, Gates Foundation reimagine public health through art

In a groundbreaking partnership with Devex and the Gates Foundation, True My Voice, a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) awards finalist in the Creativity category 2024, an initiative founded by internationally renowned poet and digital advocacy strategist, Alhan Islam, is reshaping the way global health narratives are told through the power of poetry.

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 centre stage when Ominira, a Yoruba-language spoken word piece written and performed by True My Voice poet, Pariolodo, was showcased during a session on localised storytelling in global health.

The Vice President on Partnerships at Devex (Alexander Cabaret) said: “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 said: “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 and 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 on 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.