By Muhammad Amaan
Health journalists in Kano State have launched the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), to boost advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
The network was inaugurated on Sunday during an alignment meeting organized by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) under the Engender Health-led Consortium.
KAHJON is designed to merge existing reporting groups into one coordinated platform focused on issues like polio eradication, nutrition, and maternal health.
Khadijah Aliyu emerged as Chairperson of the new network through consensus, with Mustapha Hodi Adamu as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Alhassan as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu as Public Relations Officer.
The executives were elected at the meeting, which also featured a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to officially commence KAHJON’s activities.
Representatives from development partners IBP, LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, CHAI, and several Kano State health agencies attended and delivered goodwill messages.
ISMPH Executive Director Dr. Moji Makanjuola, represented by Programme Director Solomon Dogo, said the unified structure would end fragmentation among health journalists and strengthen collaboration.
He noted similar networks already exist in Lagos and Kaduna with backing from development partners, and urged KAHJON to push for global health standards.
ISMPH Programme Officer Sabuwa Yahaya added the network will improve journalists’ access to health data and make reporting more impactful for both government and communities.
With KAHJON now operational, Kano joins a growing movement of media coalitions using coordinated advocacy to drive healthcare reforms.
Officials say the network’s focus on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC coverage should improve health outcomes across the state.
Development partners pledged continued support as the journalists begin work under their new structure.
