YAB Project Grant 2022-2023

MCI's Youth Advisory Board (YAB) offers an undergraduate research opportunity in an effort to engage young scholars in the field of male contraception. The YAB Project Grant is for undergraduate students all over the world seeking to advocate for male contraception. MCI's support allows students to receive mentorship and further their research experience through creating projects related to new male contraception. ​The opportunity was made available with support from the Parsemus Foundation and contributions from Male Contraceptive Initiative.

Qualifying students enrolled in accredited undergraduate institutions internationally and in the United States were encouraged to submit their application for a small-scale research or advocacy project related to understanding or developing novel male contraceptives that could be conducted over an academic year. Once each application was reviewed, the approved projects were eligible to receive funding from MCI.

The YAB and MCI staff reviewed each application and selected awardees based on relevance, feasibility of the project proposed, and candidate strength. After the reviewal process with MCI was complete, the YAB proudly awarded Youth for Male Contraception Project, Jan Kaminski, and Team RESPEKT. Read below to find out more about these young people and their projects. ​

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Youth for Male Contraception Project
​Youth for Male Contraception is a youth-centric advocacy website aimed at fostering awareness and acceptance of newer, non-hormonal, and reversible male contraception methods within the context of Kenya. Visit their website here.

Carol Kangethe: Project Manager
​Carol is a medical doctor diversifying into global health and health informatics, leveraging her clinical expertise to drive innovation and optimize healthcare systems for improved health outcomes. Her core principle is that patient-centered medical care across the patient journey is the best approach for optimal health and wellness. Through the Youth for Male Contraception advocacy initiative, Carol aims to enhance the reproductive healthcare experience of youth by engaging with youth contraception users and, in turn, contributing to improved health outcomes. 

Ibsen Ongidi: Research Advisor
​Ibsen is a health science researcher and graduate medical officer at the University of Nairobi, with a passion for sexual and reproductive health advocacy and research. He also loves mentoring undergraduate medical students on exploring physician-scientist pathways. He is seeking use the Youth for Male Contraception platform funded by Male Contraceptive Initiative to advance new methods of male contraception in the Kenyan cultural context.​

Sheila Awuor: Research Advisor
​Sheila is a graduate of University of Nairobi in Kenya, and as a medical doctor, her passion is to achieve health through advocacy. She added her advocacy efforts with Male Contraceptive Initiative and formed Youth for Male Contraception to show that males can also take part in contraceptive efforts.  

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Jan Kaminski 
Jan is a Psychology student at De Montfort University in Leicester, United Kingdom. His research looks at men’s online responses to a new vas-occlusive male contraception to identify men’s health concerns around the new method. It also involves interviewing experts to see how these health concerns can be mediated using scientific facts and the history of the method’s development

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Team RESPEKT
​This project explores young adults' knowledge, experiences, and attitudes towards male contraceptives. Team RESPEKT aims to unlock the secrets behind young adults' perceptions and uncover the challenges they face with existing male contraception methods. They want to quantify knowledge and ignite a spark of innovation in the realm of non-hormonal, reversible male contraception. Their mission is to bridge the gaps in male contraception for a more informed future full of diverse options for all.

Faith Anne Nyagichuhi 
Faith is a dedicated SRHR advocate and leader of Team RESPEKT's Research Working Group. As a final-year medical student at Kenyatta University, her passion lies in contraceptive and menstrual health and hygiene. She leads a groundbreaking study, delving into the knowledge and experiences of young adults regarding male contraceptives. Beyond her advocacy, Faith finds solace in serene walks and the soothing embrace of nature.

Nicolas Kioko 
Nicolas  is a finalist medical student at Moi University, School of Medicine. He is a member of the RESPEKT Research Team. He has previously served as the president for the Medical Students Association of Kenya (MSAKE) for the term 2020/2021 and the General Assistant for Africa under the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) for the term 2020/2021. He is a young research enthusiast who is motivated to continually develop his skills and grow professionally in the medical field.

Angela Namiro 
Angela is a final year medical student. She is a SRHR advocate and researcher whose goal is to ensure everyone has sexual and reproductive health rights in order to achieve a productive and healthy society.

Monicah Kitonga 
Monicah is a medical student at Moi University, Kenya. She is passionate about research and policy formulation. In her downtime, she loves spending time with dogs and playing guitar.

Alice Wanjiru Muritu 
Alice is a medical student at the University of Nairobi, a volunteer with Team RESPEKT and member of the research-working group. She is a child of the earth and a passionate SRHR activist who believes that all human beings should be able to access their sexual and reproductive health rights.

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Engaging young people in all stages of male contraceptive research is critical in order to understand the various attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs of potential users of male birth control. The YAB is grateful for the contributions from the Parsemus Foundation and MCI; the funds are dedicated to supporting each young researcher as they develop and implement their project ideas. We hope to continue to facilitate youth engagement in male contraceptive research and advocacy with this grant opportunity. Please contact us to learn more about how you can get involved today!