Partnership Advocacy for Child and Family Health, PACFaH, has urged the media to actively report issues on health budget and finance.
The organisation said this is necessary to ensure that government meets her commitment towards adequate funding of the health sector
Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) Programme Officer on PACFaH project, Ms. Aanu’ Rotimi made the call while making a presentation on the ‘Role of Media In Advocating For Increased Health Sector Budget in Nigeria’ during a symposium organised by the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) in Lagos.
The Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health project is an innovative social accountability project being implemented through the unique strategy of capacity building for civil society organisations (CSOs) on the demand side and government champions on the supply side to build partnerships to advance child and family health through advocacy.
The project’s top line objective is to improve the accountability of government at the national and state levels to deliver on commitments by increasing health budget, timely expenditure releases, and implementation of policies and guidelines in support of improved child and family health in Nigeria as a result of evidence-based, high-impact advocacy led by coalitions of local CSOs.
In her presentation, Rotimi stated that the media’s power in influencing opinions and behaviour as well as ability to inspire public interest through creating awareness around respective issues has a great role to play in ensuring that government adequately finance the healthcare sector.
Rotimi said: “Over the years, evidence has shown that media plays a vital role in mobilising people for national development. It is the connection between the people and government. Advocating for improved health outcomes is a role for all stakeholders in which health journalists are critical stakeholders.”
“It is interesting to note the interplay of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that determine what good health is all about. Appropriate allocation, prompt release and value for money utilisation of health funds are important, and not just mere reduction in MMR, U5MR or IMR, which although are expected ultimate results, but can be transient till an assured funding, much more transparent utilisation and ownership are available.”
