The SayAMR Language Hackathon is a national innovation challenge aimed at simplifying Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) concepts by translating them into widely spoken Nigerian languages. The hackathon is organised by DRASA Health Trust in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Centre for Infection Control and Patient Safety (CICaPS), and the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU).
This initiative brings together students, linguists, researchers, and public health advocates to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and community understanding, ensuring AMR information is accessible at the grassroots level.
What Is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
Antimicrobial Resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist medicines designed to kill them. This makes infections harder to treat and significantly increases the risk of severe illness and death.
Without urgent action, AMR could lead to up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050, pushing millions of people into poverty due to prolonged illness, higher medical costs, and reduced productivity. Despite its seriousness, many people remain unaware of AMR or how everyday actions contribute to it.
Purpose of the SayAMR Language Hackathon
The SayAMR Language Hackathon seeks to improve public understanding of AMR by developing accurate, culturally relevant terminologies in the following Nigerian languages:
- Hausa
- Igbo
- Yoruba
- Nigerian Pidgin
By breaking language barriers, the hackathon supports grassroots AMR awareness, improves health communication, and strengthens Nigeria’s national AMR response.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the SayAMR Language Hackathon, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Teams must consist of 4–8 multidisciplinary students (undergraduate and/or graduate) from an accredited Nigerian university (federal, state, or private).
- Each team must include at least one Linguistics faculty member. Where a Linguistics department does not exist, the faculty member may come from a closely related department.
- At least 25% of the team members must be students from linguistics or language-focused disciplines such as English, Nigerian Languages, writing, translation, or related fields.
- All student participants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Teams must receive formal endorsement from the Vice Chancellor or the Vice Chancellor’s delegated authority.
- Submissions must be made in at least one of the four approved languages: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, or Nigerian Pidgin.
Submission Requirements
Each team’s final submission must include the following documents and materials:
- National ID or other valid means of identification for all team members, including faculty
- Proof of enrolment in a linguistic or related course within an accredited university
- Proof of faculty status
- Letter of endorsement from the Vice Chancellor or delegated authority
- A written statement demonstrating understanding of AMR and a brief overview of the AMR research or desk review conducted (300–400 words)
- Video, audio, pictorial evidence, and a written report (250–400 words) documenting consultative sessions, including a database of consulted individuals (name, designation, organisation, phone number, and email address)
- Video, audio, pictorial evidence, and a written report (200–300 words) documenting the community pilot for each language submission
- A short video clearly explaining the developed terminology for each language, using sentences in the chosen language(s)
Development Stages for Submissions
All teams must follow these three structured stages:
1. Research Stage
Teams must conduct research to understand AMR concepts and how they have been translated in other global languages. A brief overview of findings (300–400 words) and the team’s understanding of AMR in their own words must be included.
2. Consultation Stage
Teams must hold consultative sessions with subject matter experts such as lecturers, AMR specialists, linguists, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. Evidence (video, audio, pictorial) and a written report (250–400 words) of these consultations are required.
Explore more opportunities like this
3. Community Pilot Stage
After incorporating feedback, teams must test their developed terminologies within communities of native speakers. This may involve markets, religious gatherings, town halls, or other high-traffic community spaces.
Evidence and a written report (200–300 words) must document the testing process, public responses, and refinements made.
Note: While multiple dialects exist within Nigerian languages, submissions must focus on the most widely spoken dialect to ensure uniformity and usability (for example, Igbo Izugbe for Igbo).
What Happens to Winning Entries?
Winning submissions will be showcased and adopted through:
- National AMR awareness campaigns and communications
- AMR school programmes
- Community engagement initiatives
These entries will contribute directly to Nigeria’s public health communication strategy.
How to Apply
Interested teams can submit their entries through the official SayAMR submission portal available on the DRASA Health Trust website.
For full eligibility details and submission guidelines, visit:
https://drasatrust.org/sayamr-hackathon/
For enquiries, contact:
amr@drasatrust.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can participate in the SayAMR Language Hackathon?
Undergraduate and graduate students in Nigerian universities, working in multidisciplinary teams with at least one linguistics faculty member.
Are Nigerians eligible?
Yes. The hackathon is specifically targeted at students in Nigerian universities.
Which languages are accepted?
Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin.
Is this an individual or team competition?
It is strictly a team-based competition with 4–8 members per team.
Is community testing compulsory?
Yes. Community pilot testing is a required stage and must be documented.
What is the main goal of the hackathon?
To simplify and localise AMR communication, making it understandable and actionable for Nigerian communities.
