Media professionals and health advocates converged in Kaduna for a capacity-building meeting aimed at enhancing the role of media networks in driving public health advocacy and holding government accountable for health outcomes in the state.
The one-day event, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in collaboration with EngenderHealth, brought together leaders of media coalitions to deliberate on strategies to improve collaboration and amplify evidence-based reporting.
The meeting, held at Stonehedge Hotel, focused on equipping journalists with the tools needed to effectively advocate for marginalised and vulnerable populations whose health concerns often receive inadequate attention.
The Programme Media Manager for ISMPH, Philip Muoneke, emphasised that the initiative seeks to foster a more synergised working relationship among media stakeholders in Kaduna State.
He noted that the media occupies a unique position to influence policy and drive social change, but this can only be achieved through coordinated efforts and accurate, data-driven reporting.
Participants at the meeting examined the current state of health journalism in the state, identifying gaps in coverage and the challenges journalists face in accessing reliable data.
Discussions also centred on strategies to monitor government commitments to healthcare delivery and ensure that public funds allocated to the health sector translate into tangible improvements for citizens.
A key highlight of the engagement was the focus on amplifying the voices of vulnerable groups, including women, children and persons living with disabilities.
Media practitioners were encouraged to prioritise stories that highlight systemic inequalities and advocate for policies that address these disparities.
The meeting also explored practical approaches to building sustainable media networks that can serve as watchdogs for health governance.
Participants shared experiences and best practices from their respective platforms, underscoring the need for continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Muoneke expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting would translate into more impactful health reporting and stronger partnerships among media houses, civil society organisations and government agencies.
“The collective commitment displayed here today reassures us that the media is ready to play its part in transforming the health sector,” he said.
The event marks another step in ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of media professionals to contribute meaningfully to public health outcomes in Kaduna State and beyond.