Ebola Threat: Health writers seek inclusion in Presidential Task Force

–Commend N10bn emergency fund

The Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to include the association in the newly constituted Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness, citing the critical role of specialised health journalists in combating misinformation and ensuring accurate dissemination of public health information.

The association also commended the President for approving an N10 billion emergency intervention fund and establishing a task force to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for a possible Ebola outbreak.

HEWAN’s call comes amid growing concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. According to available reports, the outbreak has claimed 127 lives in the DRC, while Uganda has recorded two deaths and 19 confirmed cases as of June 11, 2026.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), heightening global vigilance against the spread of the disease.

In a statement signed by its President, Vivian Ihechu, HEWAN stressed that public health emergencies are fought not only in laboratories and isolation centres but also through effective communication and public engagement.

“As the Federal Government strengthens its multi-sectoral response to the Ebola threat, specialised health journalists should be integrated into the Presidential Task Force to ensure accurate, timely and evidence-based information reaches the public,” she said.

“Without a strategic media pipeline embedded within the highest decision-making body, the fight against a highly contagious disease faces an immediate deficit in public trust and communication effectiveness.”

Ihechu pointed to Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014 as evidence of the indispensable role health journalists play during disease outbreaks.

She recalled that during the 2014 outbreak, trained health journalists worked closely with health authorities to translate complex epidemiological information into clear and actionable public guidance, helping to dispel myths and prevent panic.

“When misinformation threatened to undermine response efforts, health writers provided accurate reporting that countered dangerous falsehoods, including the widely circulated but harmful saltwater bath remedy,” she said.

“The 2014 success demonstrated that health journalists are not merely observers but vital public health partners who bridge the gap between scientific response efforts and public compliance.”

According to her, including HEWAN members in the Presidential Task Force would strengthen public awareness campaigns and ensure that critical health information is communicated effectively across Nigeria’s diverse communities.

She noted that health writers possess the expertise needed to simplify medical information, making it accessible to the general public while reducing fear and confusion.

Ihechu further argued that the inclusion of seasoned health journalists would help government authorities maintain control of the public narrative and proactively counter misinformation, conspiracy theories and vaccine hesitancy, particularly in the digital age.

“Direct involvement of HEWAN in the task force will provide access to grassroots communication networks, enabling health advisories and preventive guidelines to reach communities quickly and effectively,” she said.

She warned that excluding health journalists from the response framework could create communication gaps that may allow misinformation and panic to spread faster than official information.

“Public compliance cannot be taken for granted. Without expert health communicators, rumours and fear could undermine containment efforts,” she added.

Ihechu maintained that an effective public health response requires close coordination between clinical interventions and community engagement.

She said HEWAN represents a professional network of specialised journalists equipped to support government efforts by promoting public understanding and encouraging behavioural change.

“By giving health writers a seat at the table, President Tinubu will ensure that a robust and effective communication strategy complements the N10 billion emergency intervention fund,” she said.

“We must act collectively to keep Nigeria safe. Health security requires collaboration, and HEWAN stands ready to deploy its nationwide media network to support the success of this national intervention.”