In the realm of healthcare, access to the right information can mean the difference between life and death. Recognizing the critical gap in health literacy, two Nigerian visionaries Funke Ademola-Aliu, a creative strategist, and Joy Acha, a pharmacist have united their talents to co-found Ad-Voke, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming how health information is delivered. Through the power of technology, Joy and Funke are tackling one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare: ensuring that vital health information is both accessible and understandable to all.
Joy Acha, a seasoned pharmacist with over five years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge from her work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and public health. With advanced degrees from Johns Hopkins University in Public Health and Business Administration, Joy has a track record of success in healthcare management and public health education. Her passion for empowering underserved communities with reliable health information drives her mission at Ad-Voke. “Health literacy is not just a right; it’s a necessity,” Joy explains, highlighting her dedication to creating a world where everyone has the tools to make informed health decisions.
On the other side of Ad-Voke’s dynamic duo is Funke Ademola-Aliu, whose expertise in creative technologies, marketing strategy and storytelling fuels the organization’s innovative approach. With experience at global advertising agencies like Ogilvy Africa, Funke has a gift for transforming complex issues into engaging, easy-to-understand content. She’s spearheaded digital campaigns that have driven significant results, but for Funke, Ad-Voke is about more than just numbers. “At Ad-Voke, we use technology to turn health literacy into a journey; one that’s engaging, accessible, and deeply impactful,” she says.
Funke Ademola-Aliu articulates the mission of Ad-Voke succinctly: “We aim to make health information a touchpoint for everyday conversation, ensuring it’s as accessible and engaging as possible,” showcasing her vision for integrating technology with health education.
Together, Joy and Funke have created Ad-Voke to fill a critical gap, combining Joy’s healthcare expertise with Funke’s creative storytelling and technological acumen. Their platform leverages digital tools, virtual reality, and social media to educate communities on key health issues, from lupus awareness to substance abuse prevention. Ad-Voke is reaching people where they are, providing them with the knowledge they need to take control of their health by making health education interactive and accessible.
Looking ahead, Joy and Funke have ambitious plans to expand Ad-Voke’s reach. They are working on multilingual support to cater to non-English-speaking populations and developing sensor-based health technology for real-time monitoring of toddlers’ health. Their ultimate goal is to close the health literacy gap one campaign at a time, ensuring that no one is left behind. As Joy puts it, “If we can help even one person make informed health choices, we’ve made a difference. But we’re aiming for millions.” With their passion and innovative approach, Joy and Funke are well on their way to achieving that goal.
