It was a three day intensive conference for members of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) as they gathered at the Nations capital, Abuja, 13th-15th December precisely for their 8th Annual Conference.
According to the President of the Association, Mr. Joseph Kadiri, the annual conference is aimed at examining critical health programs and policies geared towards improving health outcomes for Nigerians.
“This year’s conference, themed “SWAp Effectiveness in Addressing Poor Health Outcomes: The Role of the Media,” is particularly timely given the numerous challenges facing Nigeria’s health sector, including inadequate funding, inefficient resource allocation, and poor service delivery.
He added that Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) introduced to address these challenges by promoting a coordinated and harmonized approach to health sector development, still suffer several challenges including limited access to health information and data, inadequate training and capacity building for health journalists, and insufficient funding for health reporting and programming among others which the conference hope to proffer solution.
“Through this conference we hope to, as Journalists play a vital role in promoting health awareness, education, and advocacy. Through our reporting, we can hold stakeholders accountable for their actions and policies, provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard, promote evidence-based health information and best practices, and advocate for policy changes and increased funding for health programs.”
He however commended Federal ministry of health and social welfare, AHBN, Roche, ODORN, NAFDAC, IHVN, NMA, Alliance Hospital, ISMPH among other stakeholders for their continuous support to the Association.
In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom commended the invaluable contributions of Health Journalists in shaping public perception, influencing health-seeking behaviors, and holding stakeholders accountable adding that their roles in the health sector cannot be over stated.
He added that at the Ministry of Health remain resolute in their mission to ensure that health information, policies, and services are accessible to every Nigerian.
‘We recognize that an informed and enlightened populace is fundamental to achieving improved health outcomes. It is in this light that we have embraced the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) to ensure “one plan, one budget, one report, and one conversation.” This strategy unifies the efforts of the government, partners, and stakeholders, maximizing impact, enhancing accountability, and eliminating redundancies.
“The Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRIl) exemplifies our unwavering commitment to revitalizing the health sector. Through targeted investments, we aim to strengthen primary healthcare (PHC) systems to deliver efficient maternal and child health services, tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDS), address Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and confront infectious diseases. These efforts also include a robust, ongoing response to HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis and Malaria.”
Also, in her presentation, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas commended Journalist for their unwavering support in promoting health and nutrition issues noting that government recognized and will keep recognizing media as a crucial stakeholder and partner in their efforts to improve health outcomes.
She added that government under the leadership of President Bola is committed to ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their location, economic status, or gender in addition to achieving universal health coverage.
“We have made progress in strengthening our health system, improving access to healthcare services, and reducing maternal and child mortality.
“In addition, we have established a national strategy to reduce maternal and newborn deaths, which includes increasing access to healthcare services, improving the quality of care, and promoting community engagement and participation.
She however called on continuous synergy between government and media in promoting health education and awareness as well as address the social and cultural factors that contribute to poor health outcomes.
The 3-Days conference featured goodwill messages and paper presentations from National Agency for Food and Drug Administration( NAFDAC), Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Africa Health Budget Network, Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency (NASHIA) among other notable groups and organizations.
The conference among other aims and objectives, will provide a verifiable evidence of reduction in Nigeria’s health indices as well support and promote government and development partners efforts and policies towards amplifying health promoton in Media reportage and programmes.
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