The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) has called upon Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, to revive the bi-monthly media engagements conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health.
The Coordinator of AHBN, Dr. Aminu Magashi, made the call recently at the organisation’s secretary in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executives of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHEJ).
The bi-monthly briefings, initially introduced by the Federal Ministry of Health in partnership with AHBN, serve as a platform for disseminating information on efforts to combat COVID-19, address Lassa Fever, improve routine immunization coverage, and advance reproductive health initiatives, among other critical health matters.
Dr Magashi emphasised the need to sustain the positive outcomes of these media engagements, where government officials, including ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of departments and agencies in the health sector, and representatives from the private sector, interact with the media to keep the public informed.
AHBN, in accordance with its agreement with the Ministry of Health, has been providing support for these press briefings. Dr Magashi stated, “Engaging the media on a quarterly basis has become productive and very useful to Nigerians, whereby we know what is going on in every aspect of our healthcare system.”
He stated that reviving these press briefings with the involvement of key figures in the health sector would ensure transparency and accountability while keeping the public well-informed.
Oyeyemi Pitan, the Engagement and Partnership Lead of AHBN, highlighted the collaborative efforts with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), youth groups, and the media in monitoring the implementation of government commitments to women, children, and adolescents’ health and well-being in Nigeria.
Pitan stressed the pivotal role of the media in this collaborative advocacy, acknowledging their importance in conveying advocacy messages to the relevant authorities.
“The role of the media in this is key, and we trust you are with us to ensure our advocacy messages get to the right quarters,” she said.
ANHEJ, renowned for its dedication to quality health journalism, swiftly aligned itself with this call to action. Joseph Kadiri, President of ANHEJ, expressed the association’s deep appreciation to AHBN for its consistent support. Kadiri stated, “We fully support AHBN’s efforts in advocating for the revival of these briefings. The media’s role in conveying vital health information to the public cannot be overstated.”
The excos pledged their organisation’s readiness to collaborate closely with AHBN to amplify its vital work and ensure that advocacy messages effectively reach the relevant authorities.