The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has partnered with the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHeJ) to inform health journalists about prevailing health issues for factual reporting and public sensitization.
At the opening ceremony of the 8th Annual ANHEJ conference in Abuja, IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum commended the journalists for their consistency in sustaining a forum for the press and stakeholders in the health sector to gather, deliberate on pertinent issues, and forge a way forward for better health in Nigeria.
Dr. Dakum who was represented by the IHVN FCT Technical Lead, Dr. Charles Imogie, said that the conference theme, “Sector Wide Approach Effectiveness in Addressing Poor Health Outcomes: The Role of the Media” is timely.
“The importance of collaboration to strengthen health systems and leave no one behind cannot be overemphasized. The media plays an invaluable role in informing and educating the public about utilizing available free health services in hospitals and communities. This is just a tip of the iceberg when one considers other roles of the media like holding the government accountable to its people and encouraging better domestic funding for health programs and research,” he said.
ANHeJ President, Mr. Joseph Kadiri said that the conference will examine critical health programs and policies aimed at improving health outcomes for Nigerians.
“The Sector Wide Approach (SWAP) was introduced to address challenges of inadequate funding, inefficient resource allocation, and poor service delivery. However, SWAP’s effectiveness relies heavily on the active engagement of various stakeholders including the media. As journalists, we play a vital role in promoting health awareness, education, and advocacy. Through our reporting, we can hold stakeholders accountable, provide a platform for marginalized voices, and promote evidence-based health information and best practices,” Mr. Kadiri added.
Also at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, reaffirmed its commitment to working with the media to promote health awareness, counter misinformation, and ensure transparency and accountability within the health sector.
About 30 health journalists from various media houses participated in the conference which held in Abuja.
