Health Ministry Lauds Journalists’ Role in Advancing Nigeria’s Health Agenda

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has commended the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHeJ) for their critical role in shaping public perception, promoting health-seeking behaviors, and holding stakeholders accountable in the health sector.

 

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Speaking at the 8th Annual Conference of ANHeJ in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, mni, highlighted the invaluable contributions of health journalists to the nation’s health agenda.
Represented by the Head, Policy and Planning , Dr. Angis Ikpe, Kachollom emphasized that an informed and enlightened populace is essential for improved health outcomes.

“The media remains a vital partner in health promotion, advocacy, and accountability. Your unwavering commitment to advancing the nation’s health agenda is commendable”. Kachollom stated.

 

She outlined the ministry’s adoption of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), which integrates efforts from the government, partners, and stakeholders under “one plan, one budget, one report, and one conversation.” This approach aims to enhance accountability, eliminate redundancies, and maximize impact in the health sector.

Highlighting the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII), Kachollom reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalizing healthcare through strengthened primary healthcare systems, addressing maternal and child health issues, and combating neglected tropical diseases, non-communicable diseases, and infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria.

She further underscored the importance of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), which provides free cesarean sections to eligible women, improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Kachollom also praised the media’s role in countering misinformation and disseminating accurate health information, noting that the ministry has fostered collaboration through media-friendly policies, press briefings, and capacity-building workshops.

“Together, we can achieve a healthier, more informed Nigeria,” she affirmed, while pledging the ministry’s continued support for health journalism.

 

Delivering his welcome address, the President of ANHeJ, Joseph Kadiri highlighted the need for journalists to actively engage stakeholders and amplify health advocacy efforts.

“With the theme “SWAp Effectiveness in Addressing Poor Health Outcomes: The Role of the Media,” the conference focused on addressing challenges such as inadequate funding, poor service delivery, and resource inefficiency”.

Kadiri underscored the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) as a key strategy for fostering coordinated efforts to enhance Nigeria’s health outcomes.

He also called attention to challenges limiting health journalism, including inadequate training, limited access to data, and insufficient funding. Kadiri reaffirmed the association’s commitment to bridging these gaps and ensuring health programs like maternal and child health services, vaccine-preventable diseases, and local drug production are given prominence in media coverage.

Kadiri expressed gratitude to partners like the Federal Ministry of Health, IHVN, NAFDAC, and others for their support and urged menbers to remain steadfast in their role as advocates and watchdogs, ensuring transparency and accountability in the health sector.

IHVN Stresses Media’s Role in Strengthening Nigeria’s Health Sector
Representing the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr. Patrick Dakum, Dr. Charles Imogie underscored the critical role of journalists in enhancing health outcomes. He commended the media for its commitment to promoting health awareness and holding stakeholders accountable.

Dr. Imogie highlighted IHVN’s alignment with Nigeria’s health sector plans, detailing its achievements, including providing HIV testing for over 18 million people, prevention of mother-to-child transmission services to nearly 140,000 women, and enrolling more than 680,000 individuals on life-saving antiretroviral treatment.

He also emphasized IHVN’s ongoing efforts to address tuberculosis and HIV through collaborations with government and international partners.

He noted that IHVN, with support from USAID, is scaling up tuberculosis services in Lagos, Osun, and Oyo states, strengthening laboratory infrastructure, and conducting research into infectious and non-infectious diseases. These initiatives, he said, contribute significantly to Nigeria’s fight against major health challenges.

NAFDAC Lauds Media’s Role in Public Sensitization on Counterfeit Drugs
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General, NAFDAC Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director of Post-Marketing and Surveillance, Mr. Bitrus Fraden, expressed gratitude to media professionals for their partnership in sensitizing Nigerians on health-related issues.

He recalled past collaborations, including efforts with the association’s president to address the harmful use of chemicals, such as ripening fruits with unsafe substances.

“We appreciate the work you do in disseminating crucial health information to the general public. It is impossible for us at NAFDAC to reach every corner of the country without your support,” he said. He highlighted the media’s role in educating consumers on identifying counterfeit drugs and reporting cases of unwholesome products, thereby enhancing public health and safety.

Acknowledging the dynamic nature of Nigeria and its diverse challenges, Fraden called for continued cooperation between NAFDAC and media stakeholders. He stressed that the synergy between regulatory authorities and media professionals would contribute significantly to making Nigeria a safer place for all.

“With your support, consumers are better informed and equipped to protect themselves from harmful products. Together, we can build a healthier nation”. He added.

The conference, which brought together journalists and stakeholders, focused on exploring innovative approaches to strengthen health journalism and foster partnerships for a better healthcare system in Nigeria.