By Admin
The Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to include specialised health journalists in the newly established Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, arguing that effective communication is critical to preventing a potential outbreak in the country.
The association made the appeal while commending the President for approving an immediate ₦10 billion emergency intervention fund and setting up the task force as part of measures to strengthen Nigeria's preparedness against the Ebola threat.
In a statement signed by HEWAN's President, Vivian Ihechu, and General Secretary, Temitope Obanyedo, the association described the move as timely and proactive, saying it is coming at a period of growing concern over the rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where over 100 deaths have been recorded.
Noting that the success of any national Ebola response would depend not only on surveillance systems, laboratories and isolation centres, but also on the quality of information reaching the public, HEWAN urged the to go a step further by including specialised health journalists, particularly members of the association, in the newly established Presidential Task Force.
“As the Federal Government structures its multi-sectoral defense against this lethal pathogen, HEWAN urgently appeals to President Tinubu to include specialized health journalists, specifically members of HEWAN, as integral components of the Presidential Task Force. Public health crises are fought as much on the airwaves and in print as they are in isolation wards and laboratories,” they said.
HEWAN argued that without a dedicated communication structure embedded within the country's highest Ebola response body, efforts to contain a highly infectious disease could be undermined by misinformation, public anxiety and slow dissemination of critical health.
“The strategic inclusion of specialized health writers is heavily backed by historical precedent. During Nigeria's astounding containment of Ebola in 2014, health writers of HEWAN stood on the frontlines as indispensable allies to health authorities.
“When panic threatened to derail clinical isolation efforts, it was trained health journalists who accurately translated complex epidemiological data into clear, actionable public advice.
“By utilizing their deep understanding of virus transmission, these media professionals successfully countered harmful myths, such as the infamous and lethal ‘saltwater bath’ rumour, saving countless lives through rapid, evidence-based reporting.
“The 2014 victory proved that health writers are not passive observers, but essential public health first responders who bridge the gap between scientific containment and civic cooperation,” they stated.
The association maintained that integrating HEWAN members into the Presidential Task Force would deliver immediate benefits to Nigeria's biosecurity strategy.
“ First, it ensures the seamless creation of aggressive, accurate awareness campaigns that resonate with Nigeria's diverse demographic landscape. HEWAN members possess the unique editorial expertise required to drive grassroots sensitization, breaking down medical jargon into accessible, everyday language that informs rather than panics.
“Second, having seasoned health writers inside the committee guarantees that the federal government maintains control of the public narrative.
With false claims, conspiracy theories and misleading health information spreading rapidly on digital platforms, the association said trained health communicators can help identify and neutralise harmful narratives before they gain public acceptance.
“Excluding HEWAN risks creating a dangerous communication gap where misinformation can thrive. We cannot take public compliance for granted; without expert health journalists, panic and deadly rumours will outpace containment efforts.
“Ultimately, an effective public health response requires absolute synergy between clinical strategy and community behaviour. HEWAN represents a disciplined, institutionalized corps of writers uniquely equipped to foster this alignment,” they stated.
HEWAN maintained that successful outbreak management requires a strong partnership between public health authorities and trusted communicators who can bridge the gap between scientific expertise and public understanding.
“By granting health writers a seat at the table, President Tinubu will ensure that the N10 billion emergency fund is supported by a robust, world-class communication infrastructure.
“We must act collectively to keep Nigeria safe. Health security is a collaborative habit, and HEWAN stands fully prepared to deploy its nationwide media network to guarantee that this national intervention achieves absolute success,” the association noted.
