As part of efforts in encouraging outstanding media reportage on epidemic preparedness and response across radio, print, and television, Nigeria Health Watch, a not-for-profit health communication and advocacy organisation, is partnering with the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA), to introduce a new award category titled: “Prevent Epidemics Journalism Award”.
The Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu, in a statement made available to pharmanewsonline.com, explained that “The Prevent Epidemics Journalism Award” recognises journalists that raise awareness among public and policymakers on the importance of funding epidemic preparedness and response.
She noted that the inclusion of this into the NHEA platform will inspire journalists to continue their vital role in safeguarding the country's health security.
The NHEA Project Director, Dr Wale Alabi, also emphasised the significance of the collaboration, stating that it will greatly improve media reportage on epidemic preparedness and response.
“This partnership with Nigeria Health Watch represents a significant milestone in acknowledging and celebrating the critical role of journalists in epidemic preparedness and response.
“The Prevent Epidemics Journalism Award will not only honour outstanding reporting but also contribute to raising the bar for healthcare journalism standards in Nigeria”, he remarked.
Since inception, the eligibility criteria for nominated articles or shows, according to Alabi, has centered around three key categories: epidemic preparedness and response to disease outbreaks in Nigeria; community awareness with a focus on improving awareness of infectious diseases while itemising the roles of citizens and actors in epidemic preparedness and response, budget and funding related stories. The latter should effectively communicate the amount of funding allocated for epidemic preparedness and response, highlighting existing funding gaps, and propose appropriate next steps.
Winners from the previous edition in 2022, include Abdulqudus Ogundapo, of The Nation Newspaper, who won the Print/ Online News Category for his story on how poor funding and technology hinders local COVID-19 vaccine production, while ARISE Television also won the television category for outstanding coverage of COVID-19 and epidemic preparedness.
NHEA, the Oscar of the Nigeria healthcare, celebrates individuals and organisations in the Nigerian healthcare sector, and has been instrumental in raising awareness, setting standards, and promoting excellence in healthcare services. The Prevent Epidemics Journalism Award expands this mission by recognising the media's pivotal role in epidemic preparedness and response in Nigeria.
