Nigeria Health Watch is thrilled to announce the recipients of the #PreventEpidemicsNaija Journalism Fellowship. The goal of the fellowship is to generate support for robust epidemic preparedness by building the capacity of selected journalists to develop in-depth solutions journalism projects on Epidemics Preparedness and the need for sustained funding.
From May 1, 2019, the following individuals will have the opportunity to help raise the profile of epidemic preparedness in Nigeria as they develop media projects that address Nigeria’s readiness challenge through their reporting:
- Dr Inya J. Ode is a trained veterinarian by profession and a broadcaster by passion. Her journey into broadcast journalism began in 2010 and 2 years later, she moved to 95.1 Nigeria Info Abuja as part of the pioneer team that started the first talk station in Abuja. Inya is passionate about advocating for quality healthcare.
- Ayodeji Ake started his career as an entertainment and societal writer in 2010 with a soft sell magazine in Lagos. He then proceeded to new media three years after as a senior reporter and editor. He currently writes for Thisday Newspapers.
- Chidindu Mmadu-Okoli is a medical laboratory scientist, storyteller, health writer, and TEDx speaker. As an advocate for patient-centered storytelling, she writes compelling content for busy health and wellness experts seeking to engage with their target audiences. Chidindu’s core areas of influence are healthcare, entrepreneurship, leadership, personal development and storytelling.
- Nneka Orji is a broadcast journalist who co-produces and co-hosts ‘Darling Clinic’, a daily health interactive program at Darling FM Owerri. She. She is also a Technical Working Group member of the Health Finance Unit of the Imo State Ministry of Health, responsible for supporting the State Health Insurance Scheme.
The winners represent a cross-section of journalism experience, ranging from print and broadcast journalism. Each will receive N224,000 plus funds to cover out-of-pocket reporting costs. The fellows will also receive extensive editorial feedback, research resources, and journalism mentoring.
Nigeria Health Watch is currently implementing a project that is targeted at preventing epidemics through public awareness and advocacy for sustained funding to improve epidemic preparedness in Nigeria. The overall goal of the project is to advocate for increased funding for epidemic preparedness in the 2020 budget and beyond in order to ensure financial support for disease surveillance and preparedness.