Willow Health Media recently had the honour of visiting the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism in Johannesburg, South Africa. Bhekisisa is renowned for its narrative-driven, solutions-focused journalism that tackles health and social justice issues across Africa. The visit came on the heels of Bhekisisa’s 10th anniversary, marking a decade of impactful, evidence-based reporting. Their journalists excel at breaking down complex science and policy, empowering audiences to understand how these issues affect their daily lives.
Willow Health Media shares a closely aligned mission: to bridge the gap between health knowledge and action. By producing transformative health journalism, Willow aims to make a lasting impact in Kenya and, ultimately, to become a leading force in health journalism across Africa.
Bhekisisa’s approach—producing credible, evidence-based solutions journalism—deeply resonates with Willow’s values. Both organizations are committed to uncovering not just problems but actionable solutions, with a focus on health and social justice. Bhekisisa’s dedication to peer-reviewed research, reliable statistics, and high journalistic standards sets a powerful example. Their work influences policy, shapes public discourse, and reaches diverse stakeholders—including policymakers, researchers, activists, and the general public—through multiple platforms.
The visit provided Willow Health Media with an invaluable opportunity to learn from Bhekisisa’s decade of expertise and benchmark best practices. By exchanging ideas and exploring growth strategies, Willow’s team is now better equipped to refine its approach and expand its impact. Inspired by Bhekisisa’s success, Willow left the visit energized, with a renewed commitment to elevating health journalism in Kenya and beyond. Through evidence-based, solutions-oriented storytelling, Willow aims to foster positive change and influence policy across the continent.
