LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – In recognition of the role of journalism in public health advocacy, three distinguished health journalists were honoured with the Prevent Epidemics Journalism Award (PEJA) at the 10th Nigeria Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA).
This special award category, initiated by Nigeria Health Watch in 2021, acknowledges the efforts of radio, print and television journalists whose reporting has advanced the cause of epidemic preparedness in Nigeria.
The 2024 NHEA, which garnered an impressive 26,000 nominations across various categories, shortlisted 11 journalists for public voting that concluded on June 19.
The award ceremony, held on Friday in Lagos, presented over 30 awards and recognitions.
Bilikis Abdulraheem-Lawal of Bond FM won the radio category with her Yoruba-language report on tuberculosis.
Racheal Abujah from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) took home the print category award for her story on epidemic preparedness budget.
Lois Sambo of Aso TV was honored in the television category for her report on COVID-19.
Also PREMIUM TIMES’ reporter, Mariam Ileyemi, received a nomination for the television category on health workers’ susceptibility to Lassa fever.
Other nominated journalists are Blessing Enebeli of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Ojoma Okafor, Daily Trust; Yecenu Sasetu, Kiss FM; Khadijah Bawas, KAMED TV; Mustapha Usman, ICIR; Mustapha Salis, Prime Times; and Arinze Chijoke, Solace base.
The Chairperson of the NHEA Advisory Board, Anthony Omolola, highlighted the rigorous selection process involving NHEA’s verification team and the receipt of over 52,000 online votes.
Mr Omolola said the votes “underscored the competitive spirit and high standards” that define the NHEA, adding that the highlights for the 2024 edition include the introduction of new award categories reflecting “our dynamic and evolving approach.”
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“This year’s nominations feature new categories demonstrating our commitment to recognising emerging trends and achievements in the health sector,” he said.
“Another highlight is the emphasis on public health, neuroscience, and drug manufacturing, the lifetime achievement and special recognition awards, highlight the exemplary and external world of respected Nigerians in the healthcare ecosystem.”
Mr. Omolola also mentioned that the award, in collaboration with Deloitte, intends to promote continued collaboration with winners and nominees following the event.
“These collaborations in various platforms will further enhance and deepen the work of our partners driving continued excellence in the healthcare and ecosystem,” he said.
The Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu, explained that the PEJA was established to raise public awareness about the critical need for funding epidemic preparedness.
“As you all know, we need to strengthen our health security and without a sustained mandate we can’t do this and that is the genesis of the award,” Mrs Ihekweazu said.
“The award acknowledges journalists who have raised awareness among the public and policymakers about the importance of funding epidemic preparedness and response, inspiring them to continue their vital role in safeguarding the country’s health security.”
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The Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) is an annual ceremony dedicated to recognizing exceptional individuals and organizations for their notable contributions to the progress of the Nigerian health sector.
It was founded in 2014 by Global Health Project & Resources in partnership with the Anadach Group, USA.
Each year, the event draws over 500 dignitaries from both the public and private sectors, including ministers, health commissioners, regulatory authorities, major investors, diplomats, NGOs, journalists, and healthcare professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and various service providers.
“The awards highlight the rapid growth of the healthcare sector, the transformative role of technology, and the ability of organizations and individuals to set new performance standards in Nigeria and beyond,” said the NHEA Project Director, Wale Alabi.
“The theme of this year’s event aligned with the country’s healthcare transformation agenda, spotlighting and recognising stakeholders, facilities, and organisations that have significantly contributed to the healthcare sector.
“With a decade of impactful existence, NHEA continues to elevate the standards of healthcare services.”
Premium Times