The second edition of the Emerging Health Technologies (EHTs) Media Award of Excellence, an initiative of the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) demonstrated the depth of the journalism field in showcasing health innovations across Africa which press forward solutions for human wellbeing.
At the virtual award ceremony, Leocadia Bongben from Cameroon received the Grand Prize for her article “Made in Cameroon: The Locally Fabricated Incubator Designed to Give Pre-term Babies a Fighting Chance”, published in Nigeria Health Watch. The story, on the use of a locally manufactured incubator to combat premature infant mortality, showcased an affordable solution and described how the home-grown response works in the context of the problem.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Rose Oronje, Director of Public Policy and Knowledge Translation and Head of Kenya Office at AFIDEP, remarked: “Africa accounts for the largest disease burden globally, and emerging technologies or new tools if very well developed and integrated in our health systems, could save lives and reduce cost of treatment. The media has a central role in expanding the reach of these conversations on emerging technologies, and as a watchdog to hold governments to account and provide the platforms where citizens can engage their governments in the commitments they have made around science, technology, and innovations and harnessing these for better health on the continent.”
Dr Msingathi Sipuka, Chief of Staff at AUDA-NEPAD, noted: “The media award seeks to highlight the pivotal role of journalists in enhancing public awareness of the innovations that will shape Africa’s future. Whether it's through their investigative reporting, in-depth features, or compelling broadcasts, journalists have the power to bring complex issues into focus, and to make them relatable and understandable for every African citizen.”
The second edition included 119 eligible entries from 19 countries, which were evaluated by a judging panel comprising experts working in science and journalism:
Aimable Twahirwa, Science Editor and Media Trainer with Solutions Journalism Network (SJN), Rwanda
Dr Armelle Ntsame, Head of the Department of Earth and Life Sciences, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Libreville, Gabon
Bothina Osama, Regional Coordinator of SciDev.Net for the Middle East and North Africa and the Editor of the Arabic edition, SciDev.Net, Egypt
Dr Dumisani Magadlela, Vice Principal at The Coaching Centre (TCC), Founder and President of Afrika Coaching, South Africa
Duncan Mboyah, Chairperson, Kenya Environment and Science Journalists Association (KENSJA)
Joseph Mbeng Boum, Vice President of the World Federation of Science Journalists and CEO and Publisher of Echos Santé daily news, Cameroon
Prof. Dr Noha Emad Khaled, Professor at the Ionizing Radiation Metrology Laboratory (IRML), National Institute of Standards, Egypt
Raïssa Okoï, Head, OR Agency, Republic of the Congo/Senegal
Zahra Namuli, Communications Manager, Makerere University Lung Institute, Uganda
Speaking on behalf of the judges at the ceremony, Duncan Mboyah noted: “Through their stories, journalists showcased how Africa is tapping into emerging technologies, knowledge and innovations in the health sector to bridge the policy gap and call for policy change in countries where the technologies are yet to be embrace.”
“The judges conclude that journalists have an essential role to play in promoting understanding of the applications of emerging technologies and innovations in the health sector in Africa, unearthing the challenges in the health sector, monitoring and reporting on how they are making a difference, as well as showing how communities are getting saved through the interventions in the continent,” Mr Mboya further noted. “It is critical for journalists to grasp the complex nature of technologies, and particularly emerging technologies, as crises continue to unfold in the continent that require their service.”
In the Online Category, Zimbabwe’s Derick Matsengarwodzi was recognised for his story "In Rural Zimbabwe, Electric Tricycles Are Saving Lives," published by GAVI. His feature explores how electric tricycles are transforming healthcare delivery in rural Zimbabwe by ensuring essential services reach hard-to-access areas, improving emergency response times. The runner-up in this category was Uganda’s Richard Wetaya, whose article "Gene Drive: Emerging Mosquito Threats in Africa Call for New Technologies to Fight Malaria," published by Alliance for Science, examines the potential of gene drive technology as a crucial tool in combating malaria amidst rising mosquito threats across Africa.
In the Print Category, Nigeria’s Afeez Hanafi won for his story “Outages: Non-electric Ventilator Offers Relief in Respiratory Failure Treatment,” published in Daily Trust Nigeria. Hanafi highlights the innovative use of non-electric ventilators in regions with limited electricity access, showcasing their life-saving potential in respiratory failure cases. The runner-up, Abdel Aziz Nabaloum from Burkina Faso, was recognised for his article “Parsyl, la technologie qui sauve des vies,” published by Sidwaya. His story details how Parsyl ensures the safe transportation of vaccines and medical supplies to remote communities.
Ghana’s Portia Garbor took home the top prize in the TV Category with her documentary "GARH Doctors Use Virtual Reality for Neurosurgery," aired on TV3 News. Garbor’s report introduces the use of virtual reality technology for neurosurgery in Ghana, offering new possibilities for surgical care and patient outcomes. The runner-up in this category was Ghana’s Emmanuel Raphael Samani, whose report on "The Future of AI in Healthcare Delivery" for TV3 News, showcased the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in Africa’s healthcare sector.
In the Radio Category, Nigeria’s Dajie Odok won for her feature "Emerging Technologies for Malaria Eradication," broadcast on Radio IITA. Odok’s report highlights how innovative technologies are reshaping efforts to eradicate malaria. The runner-up was South Africa’s Kevin John Brandt, whose story "Patient Lauds Pioneering Cancer Treatment at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre," aired on InsideEWN, shared the inspiring testimony of a cancer patient benefitting from cutting-edge treatment.
The winners of the second edition of the EHTs Media Award have shown the important role journalists play in bringing attention to innovative healthcare solutions in Africa. Their stories highlight how new technologies are improving health services and solving challenges in their communities. By sharing these successes, they are helping to inspire positive change across the continent. AUDA-NEPAD and AFIDEP continue to support and encourage such impactful reporting, fostering greater awareness and advancing homegrown solutions that strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems for the future.
The third edition of the media award is open till January 2025, with a focus on “innovations at the nexus of water, food and energy.” Journalists are invited to submit their stories highlighting the emerging technologies shaping these critical sectors in Africa.