By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Kaduna Health Media Alliance (KADHAMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare advocacy, promoting solution-driven journalism, and expanding public awareness on critical health issues across Kaduna State.
The resolution was reached during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting involving journalists, media professionals, development partners, government officials, and civil society actors committed to advancing healthcare communication and accountability in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the Initiative for Social Mobilization for Public Health (ISMPH), Moji Makanjuola, Mr. Philip Chukwunonso underscored the importance of collaboration among media practitioners, development partners, and government institutions in improving healthcare delivery and public access to credible health information.
According to him, effective health communication remains essential in addressing healthcare challenges, promoting transparency, and strengthening public confidence in the health sector.
Chukwunonso also reaffirmed ISMPH’s support for KADHAMA and other media-led initiatives aimed at deepening grassroots engagement, improving public participation, and advancing solution journalism in Kaduna State.
The meeting, chaired by KADHAMA Chairman Garba Mohammed, focused on strategies to expand community-based health reporting, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, and position the alliance as a credible platform for responsible health journalism and advocacy.
Participants agreed that journalists should intensify visits to healthcare facilities and rural communities to document prevailing challenges, engage frontline health workers, and amplify the concerns of underserved populations regarding healthcare delivery.
They observed that many impactful health stories remain underreported in rural communities and stressed the need for consistent media attention capable of driving policy response and public discourse.
As part of efforts to improve visibility and influence, members discussed strengthening KADHAMA’s presence through regular activities, strategic partnerships, and effective use of television, radio, newspapers, blogs, and social media platforms.
Participants emphasised that the alliance’s sustainability and growth would depend largely on professionalism, commitment, and volunteerism rather than financial incentives.
Members were therefore encouraged to actively participate in advocacy visits, investigative reporting, and public sensitisation campaigns without depending solely on sponsorship or transport allowances.
To improve coordination among members, the alliance resolved to institutionalise regular virtual meetings aimed at enhancing communication, reducing operational costs, and sustaining collaboration.
The meeting also directed the alliance’s secretary to consistently circulate weekly health themes, international health observances, and topical healthcare issues to guide members’ reporting and advocacy activities.
Suggested focus areas for media coverage include maternal health, immunisation, antenatal care, family planning, and preeclampsia awareness.
Participants further highlighted the need for stronger partnerships with critical stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health and Information, Primary Healthcare Board, development partners, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, and associations of Persons Living with Disabilities.
The alliance disclosed that advocacy letters had already been submitted to relevant government agencies, with further engagements expected after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
A major highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on ethical reporting and solution journalism, with stakeholders urging journalists to avoid sensationalism and instead adopt balanced reporting that reflects both challenges and positive interventions within the healthcare system.
Responding, members maintained that KADHAMA was established not to antagonise government institutions, but to promote accountability, constructive engagement, and improved healthcare delivery through responsible journalism.
The alliance subsequently adopted the principle of “reporting challenges while promoting solutions” as its guiding framework for future media engagements.
Participants also proposed expanding KADHAMA’s membership to include journalists and correspondents from Southern Kaduna, Zaria, Kafanchan, and other rural communities to strengthen grassroots reporting and broaden statewide representation.
Discussions on institutional development further led to recommendations for the creation of a formal constitution, membership criteria, and subcommittees to support the alliance’s future growth and coordination.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen healthcare communication, improve public health awareness, deepen collaboration, and advocate for better healthcare services across Kaduna State.
