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Nigerian Health Watch

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nigeria Health Watch is a non profit health communication and advocacy organization dedicated to promoting better health outcomes for Nigerians. By combining expertise in both health and communication, the organization actively engages with the government and the public to raise awareness and disseminate knowledge on a wide range of health issues in Nigeria.[1][2][3]

Mission and vision

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The organization's mission is to equip Nigerians with the tools and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their health. It advocates for improved access to quality health services at both federal and state levels, emphasizing transparency and necessary health reforms. Nigeria Health Watch envisions a Nigeria where all individuals, regardless of income, have access to improved and affordable quality healthcare.[4]

History

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  • 2015: The Health Watch Foundation was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).[5] In June of the same year, the inaugural Future of Health Conference, themed "Defining the Health Sector of our Dreams in Nigeria," was held in Abuja.​[6]
  • 2016: Co-curator Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, leading to his resignation from the management of Nigeria Health Watch to join its board.​[7][8]
  • 2017: The organization secured its first major project from the United Nations, with UNICEF engaging it to conduct advocacy for malnutrition prevention in three states in North West Nigeria.​[9][10]
  • 2021: Launch of the Solutions Journalism Africa Initiative (SJAI) in partnership with the Solutions Journalism Network, highlighting significant innovations and initiatives driving improvements in the Nigerian health sector. ​[11][12]
  • 2022: Hosted the 8th Nigeria Health Watch Future of Health Conference, themed "The Political Economy of Health: Investing in the Future of Nigeria.[13]

Activities

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Nigeria Health Watch utilizes various platforms to disseminate health information and advocate for policy changes:

  • Thought Leadership Series: Weekly publications analyzing challenges and showcasing noteworthy solutions in the Nigerian health sector. ​
  • Radio Show: In collaboration with Nigeria Info 95.1 FM Abuja, the organization co-hosts a monthly radio show titled "#OpenMoH," encouraging greater citizen engagement on health issues.[14]
  • Solutions Journalism Africa Initiative (SJAI): Launched in 2021 in partnership with the Solutions Journalism Network, this initiative highlights significant innovations and initiatives driving improvements in the Nigerian health sector. ​[15]
  • Future of Health Conference: An annual event that convenes stakeholders to discuss and strategize on pressing health issues in Nigeria.

Collaborations and partnerships

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The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies, to amplify efforts in strengthening health security and advancing healthcare in Nigeria. Notably, Nigeria Health Watch has been recognized for its partnership with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, especially in advocacy for improved funding for epidemic preparedness and support towards risk communications during health crises.[16]

Recognition

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Nigeria Health Watch has been acknowledged for its significant contributions to health communication and advocacy in Nigeria. The organization's efforts in amplifying the work of health institutions and advocating for improved healthcare policies have been instrumental in driving positive change within the Nigerian health sector.[17]

References

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  1. ^ "Nigeria Health Watch". nigeriahealthwatch.com. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  2. ^ "Institution: 9005617086". carta-evidence.org. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  3. ^ Erim, Abara; Oko, Sunday; Biose, Sonia; Agbaoye, Kemisola; Nzedibe, Okechi Eberechukwu; Nwankwo, Anwuli; Gimba, Patrick; Ihekweazu, Vivianne (2025). "Tackling infectious disease outbreak and vaccination misinformation: A community-based strategy in Niger State, Nigeria" (PDF). BMC Health Services Research. 25 (1): 513. doi:10.1186/s12913-025-12683-z. PMID 40200261.
  4. ^ "Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative (NDHI) | policy". NDHI. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  5. ^ "Nigeria Health Watch". nigeriahealthwatch.com. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  6. ^ Watch, Nigeria Health (2015-05-19). "Defining the Health Sector of our Dreams in Nigeria – Future of Health Conference 2015". Nigeria Health Watch. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  7. ^ www.premiumtimesng.com https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/482420-encomiums-as-ncdc-boss-ihekweazu-gets-who-job.html. Retrieved 2025-04-08. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  8. ^ "Buhari Appoints Heads of Health Institutions – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  9. ^ "In north-west Nigeria, a fight against child malnutrition". www.unicef.org. Archived from the original on 2024-09-20. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  10. ^ "Nigeria Health Watch". nigeriahealthwatch.com. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  11. ^ "Nigeria Health Watch". nigeriahealthwatch.com. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  12. ^ Otufodunrin, Lekan (2025-01-24). "Nigeria Health Watch's impactful activation of Solutions Journalism training, practice". Media Career Services. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  13. ^ "Nigeria Health Watch". nigeriahealthwatch.com. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  14. ^ "Business". Lusha. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  15. ^ Otufodunrin, Lekan (2025-01-24). "Nigeria Health Watch's impactful activation of Solutions Journalism training, practice". Media Career Services. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  16. ^ Ezenwaka, Uchenna; Mbachu, Chinyere; Onwujekwe, Obinna (2025-02-10). "A scoping review of the roles of stakeholders and coordination mechanisms for enhanced multi-sectoral and multi-level interventions in COVID-19 response in Nigeria". Health Research Policy and Systems. 23 (1): 18. doi:10.1186/s12961-024-01276-7. ISSN 1478-4505. PMC 11808979. PMID 39930477.
  17. ^ "NHEA, Nigeria Health Watch unveil Prevent Epidemics Journalism Award – Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards". nigeriahealthcareawards.com.ng. Archived from the original on 2024-07-13. Retrieved 2025-04-08.