By Ndidi Chukwu
The newly elected executives of Association of Health Journalists in Nigeria, (AHJiN) have been encouraged to be transparent and accountable in discharging their duties.
The Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR), Board of Trustee Chairman, Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, stated this when he received the members of the association on a courtesy visit led by its President, Marcus Fatimole.
Dr. Magashi said this will go a long way to boost the morale of journalists working on the beat and ensure more visibility and quality of health reporting.
He said the role of the media towards health development cannot be overemphasized as the media play a cardinal role in development, and holding government and all sectors accountable at all times.
He therefore encouraged a strengthened collaboration between non state actors and the media for improved advocacy in the Nigerian health
sector.
“As executives of AHJiN I will encourage you to be transparent in all you do, by so doing you will earn the trust of your members and this is what will translate to your success story and how this group grows to become very strong and respected in the nation, accountability should always be your watchword” said Dr. Magashi
He further urged the journalists to imbibe the culture of objective reporting of burning health issues in the country to provide the right information to the general public at all times and also bring about the desired change in the country.
Earlier, AHJiN President, Maucus Fatimole, recognized the leadership position of CHR in Nigeria on RMNCH advocacy and existing cordial relationship with the media, and expressed his association’s interest to engage in media budget advocacy, and other RMNCAH issues.
