The Association of Nigerian Health Journalists, (ANHEJ) has called on relevant agencies to boost partnership with the media so as to curb the challenges hindering healthcare deliveries especially with the current COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy witnessed in the country.
The group makes the call at the end of its 5th Annual National Conference held on the 25th to 26th November 2021, at Auta Balefi, Nasarawa State.
The two-day conference themed “Improving confidence in COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria beyond 2021: The Role of the Media.” And with the sub-theme “The media and new engagement strategies. The journey to Nigeria’s FP2030 commitment: What the media can do. Examining Nigeria’s COVID-19 funding and recovery plan: The place of the media”, witnessed a robust engagement with stakeholders in the health sector as issues surrounding the theme were adequately brainstormed considering the critical role of the media in improving confidence in COVID-19 vaccines.
In a communiqué signed by the President of the association Hassan Zaggi and its General-Secretary Gloria Essien on the 26th December 2021, expressed displeasure over the continued absence of the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, at ANHEJ conferences, portrays the ministry in a bad light towards the efforts of improving the health of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, other participants admonish that journalists should build on more investigative stories rather than relying on statements so as to unravel some hidden truths about Nigeria’s health sector, hence focusing on the mental health burden in Nigeria.
The communiqué also charged Journalists to use data from authorized sources in their reportage so as to create a proper understanding of issues in the health sector” as well “cross-check their information and ensure accurate attribution before going to the press”. Adding that “Health journalists should no longer play to the gallery on issues of health concerns”. Thus calling on the
“health journalists to improve themselves, take advantage of online courses and other opportunities provided by partners”.
It also recommended that there should be an “improvement on the relationship between the media and the Federal Ministry of Health, especially in prompt response to inquiries and regular interactive sessions for better understanding. Resolving that due to the high rate of vaccine hesitancy uptake “there should be quarterly meetings scheduled for the first or second week of April by the ANHEJ and partners to assess the situation and where necessary draw another plan”.
The association further agreed that due to lack of experts to take up the second sub-theme on FP 2030, during the conference it hoped to organize “another conference before June 2022 to discuss extensively on the subject considering its importance to the development of the country” thus promising to “intensify efforts in partnership and collaboration with stakeholders for the growth of Nigeria’s health sector”.
