The Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to include health journalists in the newly established Ebola preparedness task force, arguing that effective communication will be critical to preventing misinformation and public panic as African countries battle a growing outbreak. The association also commended the Federal Government’s response to the health threat, particularly the approval of a N10 billion emergency intervention fund designed to strengthen national readiness.
HEWAN said the Ebola preparedness task force would benefit from the expertise of trained health communicators capable of supporting public awareness efforts across the country.
The appeal comes amid heightened concerns over the spread of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, HEWAN described the Federal Government’s recent actions as timely, noting that preparedness remains essential in preventing the importation and spread of infectious diseases.
The association pointed to reports indicating that the ongoing outbreak has resulted in at least 349 deaths, while increasing international travel and porous borders continue to raise concerns about cross-border transmission. According to HEWAN, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), underscoring the need for coordinated response measures.
The statement was jointly signed by HEWAN President, Mrs Vivian Ihechu, and Secretary, Mrs Temitope Obayendo. The association argued that Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014 was driven not only by medical interventions but also by effective risk communication involving trained health journalists.
“Public health crises are fought as much on the airwaves and in print as they are in isolation wards and laboratories,” the association stated.
“Without a strategic media pipeline embedded within the highest decision-making body, the fight against a highly contagious virus faces an immediate deficit in public trust and communication velocity.”
HEWAN recalled that during the 2014 outbreak, health journalists played a critical role in translating scientific information into accessible messages for the public while countering misinformation.
The association specifically referenced the false “saltwater bath” remedy that circulated widely during the outbreak and required extensive public education efforts to correct.
According to HEWAN, including health journalists in the Ebola preparedness task force would enhance the government’s capacity to sustain accurate public information campaigns and rapidly disseminate life-saving health guidance.
“Health writers are not passive observers, but essential public health first responders who bridge the gap between scientific containment and civic cooperation,” the statement added.
The association warned that excluding trained health communicators could create a communication vacuum where misinformation thrives, potentially weakening public compliance with preventive measures. HEWAN also argued that the recently approved N10 billion intervention fund would be more effective if supported by a comprehensive communication strategy capable of reaching both rural and urban populations.
The association pledged to deploy its nationwide network of health journalists in support of government preparedness efforts.
“We must act collectively to keep Nigeria safe. Health security is a collaborative habit, and HEWAN stands fully prepared to guarantee that this national intervention achieves absolute success,” the statement said. HEWAN emphasised that sustained public education, timely information sharing, and collaboration between health authorities and the media remain essential elements of outbreak preparedness.
As concerns over Ebola continue across parts of Africa, HEWAN has renewed calls for media representation within the task force, maintaining that effective communication is central to disease prevention and public confidence. The association also welcomed the Federal Government’s N10 billion emergency intervention fund, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness against potential health threats.
