The Coordinator Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr. Aminu Magashi has advocated for the reactivation of the culture of holding bi-monthly engagements with members of the media to discuss and inform Nigerians of developments in the health sector.
Dr. Magashi, who made the call in Abuja on the sidelines of a courtesy visit paid to him by the newly elected executive members of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHEJ), noted that the practice is one that enhances feedback with the populaces as well as engenders accountability.
The bi-monthly briefing was introduced by the Federal Ministry of Health in partnership with AHBN, providing a platform for update on developments around efforts to contain COVID-19, Lassa Fever, routine mmunization coverage, reproductive health initiatives among others.
Magashi stressed the need to sustain the gains of the bi-monthly media interactions where the ministers, permanent secretary, heads of departments and agencies in the health sector, including private sector players communicate with the masses through the media.
Magashi, therefore, appealed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, among others to see to its reactivation.
He explained that AHBN, which signed agreement with the Ministry of Health, has been supporting the bimonthly press briefings.
Magashi also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his initiative of adding the Social Welfare arm to the Ministry of Health, which according to him, will better the health outcomes for Nigerians, since welfare plays a big role in the wellness of the populace.
Earlier, the President of ANHEJ, Comrade Joseph Kadiri, thanked AHBN for its steadfast support through the years.
Blueprint Newspapers on WhatsAp-Join now!