January 27, 2017… Amref Health Africa held an editors’ workshop in Nairobi recently to drive conversation around the health agenda in Africa in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The workshop, attended by media personalities from international and Kenyan media, also served to set the stage for the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) slated for March 7-9, 2017, in Nairobi.

Dr Githinji Gitahi, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Amref Health Africa, encouraged editors to take stewardship of the health agenda in Africa which, he noted, is different from that of the rest of the world.

Guest follow the proceeding at the Editors’ breakfast meeting

A team from Amref Health Africa, GSK and Scanad during the meeting

Amref Health Africa Group CEO Dr Gitahi explains Amref’s contribution to the achievement of SDGs 2, 3, 5, 6 and 17

Amref Health Africa in Kenya Country Director, Dr Meshack Ndirangu and Dr Gitahi listen keenly to the discussions

Anne Soy from the British Broadcasting Corporation

Bridget Wachira, Managing Director GSK highlights the role of private sector in supporting the health system

Victoria Kimotho, the AHAIC youth preconference coordinator engages the editors on the role of the youth in health

He noted that knowledge of the health-related SDGs and how they are linked to the challenges faced by communities was important for the media to ensure informed reportage of the issues. The AHAIC, he added, would provide a platform for informed discussion and decision-making regarding key issues affecting health on the continent. 

We recognise and appreciate the media’s efforts in educating the world on issues of key importance such as healthcare,” said Dr Gitahi.

“I encourage you to deepen your commitment to reporting on health care and to use your work to create positive social impact,” he added.

Amref Health Africa’s engagement with the media is part of the organisation’s strategy to support generation and sharing of relevant information and data on health in Africa to support effective decision-making.

Representatives from GSK, the Kenyan Ministry of Health and the Nairobi City County, who are partners in organising the conference, attended the meeting.

To register for AHAIC 2017 click here