The Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Professor Ibrahim Garba, has emphasized the vital role journalists play in translating complex health data into clear, culturally sensitive stories that can influence public policy and drive action on child health.
Speaking during a one-day forum organized by the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) program in Bauchi, Prof. Garba noted that while child mortality remains a pressing public health issue in Nigeria, journalists are key partners in bridging the gap between scientific research and community-level impact.
“Preventable deaths among children under five remain alarmingly high. CHAMPS works to uncover the root causes through rigorous surveillance and data collection,” he said.
“But data alone cannot save lives. It must be translated into impactful narratives that reach policymakers, community leaders, and caregivers.”
The workshop, organized by the CHAMPS-ATBU program, aimed to strengthen journalists’ capacity for evidence-based reporting on maternal and child health. Participants were trained on interpreting health data, ethical storytelling, and advocating for policy reforms through compelling media coverage.
“The goal is to equip journalists with the tools and ethical frameworks to accurately report on child mortality, promote awareness, and influence public attitudes,” Prof. Garba added.
Principal Investigator of CHAMPS, Dr. Muhammad Bashir Faruk, highlighted troubling figures from the 2023/2024 National Demographic Health Survey.
Bauchi records 48 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births, 77 infant deaths before the first birthday, and 125 child deaths before age five—figures that exceed the national average.
“These statistics are not just numbers; they are children, families, and futures lost,” Dr. Faruk said. “Journalists have a duty to report in a way that triggers effective action and policy change.”
Other speakers, including the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Sambo Zaillani (represented by Dean of Basic Clinical Sciences, Prof. Sani Malami), and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Lamaran Dattijo, echoed the importance of journalist engagement in public health surveillance.
CHAMPS, a global initiative funded by the Emory Global Health Institute, is currently being implemented in Bauchi and Ganjuwa local government areas through ATBU.
It seeks to reduce childhood mortality by producing timely, localized evidence for decision-makers.
Participants were encouraged to act as advocates, using their platforms to amplify CHAMPS findings and spark community-led health reforms.
By Lizzy Carr
