By Iyemah David
The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) said it would launch an Emergency and Hazards Fund dedicated to supporting health journalists under the auspices of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHeJ).
Coordinator of AHBN, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba announced the laudable initiative during a roundtable discussion with executive council of the ANHeJ on Thursday, at the AHBN Headquarters in Abuja.
He outlined the fund’s a as providing financial aid to journalists facing personal emergencies or hazards while reporting on health-related issues. He also stressed the importance of supporting journalists who play a critical role in disseminating accurate information during health emergencies.
Dr Magashi expressed AHBN’s commitment to the well-being of health journalists, and highlighted the fund’s role in ensuring journalists continue their essential work without undue hardship.
President of ANHeJ, Mr Joseph Kadiri of ITV, expressed appreciation to the AHBN for its commitment to supporting the association.
He underscored the fund’s significance in alleviating financial burdens for health journalists, enabling them to fulfill their vital role in society.
Also speaking, Chairman of the National Advocates for Health (NA4H), Mohammed Usman commended AHBN for its foresight and generosity in establishing the fund.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration between organisations dedicated to promoting journalists’ welfare and advancing health journalism in Nigeria.
On her part, the Vice President of ANHeJ, Ms Racheal Abujah of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), highlighted the challenges faced by health journalists in covering Nigeria’s healthcare system.
She emphasised the need for comprehensive safety measures, including insurance and training, to support journalists in their work.
Ms Abujah, therefore, called on health organisations and agencies to view journalists as partners in progress and emulate AHBN’s initiative in supporting health journalists.
