By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), in partnership with EngenderHealth, has established a media coalition in Kaduna State to strengthen health reporting and promote universal health coverage across the state.

The coalition, described as the first of its kind facilitated by ISMPH in Kaduna, was inaugurated during a one-day Capacity Building and Alignment Meeting for media networks held on February 17, 2026.

The meeting brought together journalists and media advocates to strategise on improving coordinated health advocacy, promoting government accountability and amplifying evidence-based reporting, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of ISMPH, Dr Moji Makonjuala, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to building strong media coalitions nationwide.

She said ISMPH would continue to support journalists and media networks with the tools, partnerships and technical support required to drive impactful public health communication.

Makonjuala also disclosed plans to visit Kaduna State to further engage with media stakeholders and strengthen ongoing health advocacy initiatives.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Solomon Dogo, stressed the need for unity and structured collaboration among media practitioners in tackling public health challenges.

He noted that coordinated media advocacy is critical in ensuring that health policies and programmes remain responsive to community needs, particularly among marginalised groups.

Dr Anthony Shamang Consultant supporting Gates Foundation in Kaduna State was also in attendance.

A major highlight of the meeting was the unanimous election of a leadership team to oversee the affairs of the newly formed Kaduna Media Health Coalition.

Garba Muhammad, MNIPR, Co-Chair of the Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) and Chairman of Knowledge Management and Communications (KMC), emerged as chairman of the coalition.

Others elected into the executive include Jacqueline Adebija of Health4All Media Initiative (HAMI); Sahura Maidoki of Journalists for Better Health (JOBETH) as secretary; Dr Hadiza Abdullahi of EduMedia Climate Reform on Health (e-MICH) as assistant secretary; Stella Kabruk of JOBETH as treasurer; and Shola Ojo of HAMI Financial Secretary.

Participants described the initiative as timely and strategic, expressing optimism that the coalition would enhance synergy among media actors and improve the quality and reach of health-focused reporting in Kaduna State.

The organisers said the move is part of ongoing efforts to foster a more accountable and health-conscious society through strengthened media collaboration.