An investigative story by SolaceBase Communications, one of Nigeria’s leading online publications- has been nominated for the fourth edition of the Nigeria Health Watch Prevent Epidemics Journalism Award in the print category.
The annual award celebrates outstanding journalists who play crucial roles in creating awareness of the significance of epidemic preparedness and response through the media.
Titled “Diphtheria: A Look Into Disease Breeding Grounds In The Wake Of Diphtheria Outbreak In Kano,” the story was written by Arinze Chijioke under the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under the collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusion and Accountability Project (CMEDIA) funded by the MacArthur Foundation.
The story looked at the factors contributing to the outbreak of Diphtheria- a bacterial infection which is transmitted through respiratory secretions, or by breathing in droplets from an infected person when they cough or sneeze- in Kano, the epicentre of the outbreak.
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This year’s award ceremony will be in partnership with the Nigeria Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) which celebrates individuals and organisations in the Nigerian healthcare sector and has been instrumental in raising awareness, setting standards, and promoting excellence in healthcare services.
The event is scheduled to take place at The Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 5:00 pm, the award ceremony will focus on the theme- “Navigating Tomorrow: Accelerating Strategies for Healthcare Transformation.”
Moses Braimah, NHEA Director of Marketing, Communication, and Strategy, said the theme aligns with Nigeria’s healthcare transformation plan, spotlighting and recognizing stakeholders, facilities, and organizations that have significantly contributed to the healthcare sector.
The first three editions of the awards recognised and honoured journalists for their crucial role in spreading awareness on the significance of epidemic preparedness and response, current information about COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria’s response to the pandemic, and other infectious disease outbreaks.
