Health experts on Tuesday urged members of the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) to uphold factual and ethical reporting that informs the public and supports national health policies.
They made the call in Lagos at the opening of a two-day workshop organized by HEWAN in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and supported by Roche Products Ltd.
The workshop, themed “Elevating Science and Health Journalism,” aimed to enhance the accuracy, clarity, and public value of health reporting in Nigeria.
Prof. John Obafunwa, Director-General of NIMR, said integrity and accountability in health journalism directly influence public health outcomes and trust in medical information.
Represented by Prof. Oliver Ezechi, NIMR’s Director of Research, Obafunwa described the training as timely and a reflection of the shared commitment to improve the quality of health communication in the country.
He stressed that journalists must ensure Nigerians have access to reliable scientific information that empowers them to make informed decisions and strengthens the health system.
“By reinforcing trust, explaining complex issues clearly, and reducing uncertainty, journalists can empower citizens to take part in decisions that affect their lives,” he said.
Obafunwa commended HEWAN’s leadership for organizing the training and urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to improve their skills.
Delivering the keynote address, Ezechi described health reporters as educators who provide accurate, life-saving information and promote accountability in public health governance.
Speaking on the topic “Why Health and Science Journalism Matters More Than Ever in Nigeria,” Ezechi noted that health journalism informs, protects, and empowers communities across the country.
He urged reporters to fact-check all information, especially on sensitive topics such as vaccines, to prevent misinformation and public panic.
“Health journalism is critical as Nigeria faces infectious disease threats, rising non-communicable diseases, misinformation, and evolving scientific challenges,” he said.
Earlier, HEWAN President, Mrs. Vivian Ihechu, said the workshop was designed to equip journalists with the tools needed to report health issues with accuracy and depth.
Ihechu, who also heads the Lagos Health Desk, said the event coincided with the commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, noting that health journalism is about saving lives through accurate communication.
“Journalists translate complex data into useful information that guides the public toward healthy choices,” she said.
She also emphasized the need for advocacy on early detection and equitable access to screening and treatment for breast cancer.
Ihechu commended NIMR and Roche for their partnership, saying informed and responsible health reporting contributes to stronger health outcomes across Nigeria.
Also speaking, Mr. Gilbert Ogbewele, Marketing and Business Support Lead at Roche Nigeria, highlighted journalists’ role in educating Nigerians about breast cancer.
He said Roche, through the African Breast Cancer Ambition Initiative, remains committed to transforming breast cancer awareness and treatment in Nigeria.
Ogbewele added that Roche would continue to support HEWAN in building the capacity of journalists to report accurately and sensitively on women’s health.
