Public health advocacy in Africa has never been more critical. As the continent grapples with a rising burden of non-communicable diseases, persistent infectious disease threats, and stark healthcare inequalities, the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) and media professionals is pivotal.
Their influence in shaping public discourse and driving policy reforms can make the difference between life and death for many communities. Recognising this, Nigeria Health Watch recently convened the Effective Public Health Advocacy Workshop in Rwanda, ahead of the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025.
Bringing together CSOs and media organisations from Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana, the workshop aimed to strengthen advocacy capacity, equip participants with media engagement skills, and foster cross-sector collaborations.
Among the participants were Willow Health Media initiative’s Timon Abuna, Videographer and Photographer, and Yvonne Kawira, Multimedia Health Journalist and Producer, a testament to Willow Health Media’s commitment to solution-based journalism and impactful storytelling.
Building Advocacy Capacity: The Five-Step Approach
One of the key highlights of the workshop was a structured five-step approach to effective public health advocacy:
- Problem Identification – Understanding and defining the health issue at hand.
- Goal and Objective Setting – Establishing clear, achievable targets for advocacy efforts.
- Stakeholders and Power Mapping – Identifying key players, decision-makers, and influencers.
- Strategy Development – Crafting compelling messaging and selecting the best advocacy channels.
- Strategy Implementation – Executing plans while ensuring accountability and measuring impact.
Harnessing the Power of Media for Advocacy
Media plays a crucial role in amplifying health advocacy efforts, and the workshop emphasized the concept of solution-based journalism, a fundamental pillar of Willow Health Media. This approach shifts the narrative from merely highlighting problems to actively exploring and promoting solutions. Participants engaged in hands-on training covering campaign planning, implementation strategies, and effective communication techniques. A case study on successful advocacy campaigns provided practical insights, while breakout sessions allowed for collaborative strategy development.
Key Takeaways and Impact
- Strategic Media Engagement: Effective storytelling is essential for influencing policies and public attitudes. The workshop provided tactics for engaging with the media to drive impactful narratives.
- Advocacy Documentation: Advocacy efforts must be well-documented to measure long-term impact and sustain momentum.
- Community Trust & Policymaker Engagement: Successful advocacy requires building trust within communities and leveraging relationships with policymakers.
- Collaboration & Networking: The workshop provided a platform for CSOs and media professionals to forge new partnerships, ensuring a collective push toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa.
A Call to Action
As Africa works towards stronger health systems, the role of CSOs and media professionals in public health advocacy remains indispensable. Equipping these key players with the right tools and networks will accelerate progress toward health equity. The Effective Public Health Advocacy Workshop, organised by Nigeria Health Watch, was not just a training event; it was a catalyst for change one that will ripple across communities and influence policies for years to come.
At Willow Health Media, we remain committed to driving solution-based journalism and impactful health communication. Through initiatives like this, we will continue to use storytelling as a force for advocacy, ensuring that voices from the most vulnerable communities are heard and that actionable solutions reach those who need them the most.
