In a milestone achievement for both RadioIITA and African science journalism, Dajie Odok, Radio Lead has won the prestigious 2023 Emerging Health Technologies (EHTs) Media Award for Excellence in Science Reporting. The award was presented in a virtual ceremony on October 9, 2024, which brought together top science journalists and experts from across Africa.

The EHTs Media Award, facilitated by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) through the Health Tech Platform, recognizes outstanding journalism highlighting new health technologies’ potential to address critical issues in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Odok’s award-winning documentary focused on cutting-edge innovations in malaria eradication and how these breakthroughs could reshape the fight against one of the continent’s deadliest diseases.

Dr. Msingathi Sipuka, Chief of Staff at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), underscored the importance of the award in fostering high-quality reporting on the latest health technologies in Africa. “By encouraging responsible journalism, this award helps to raise awareness of innovations that could dramatically improve health outcomes on the continent,” he said. Sipuka also noted that future editions of the award would spotlight the intersection of health with other critical areas like water, food, and energy security.

Dajie Odok, in her acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and her collaborators, including key partners like PATH and Target Malaria. “I wanted to tell the story of how health technologies can change lives in Africa, and it’s an honor to see that work recognized. This award is a testament to the importance of science journalism in bridging the gap between technical innovation and public understanding,” Odok remarked.

The judging panel praised Odok’s documentary for its investigative depth and ability to make complex science accessible to the public, particularly in the fight against malaria. Her work emphasized the importance of these technologies and the need for African communities and policymakers to take ownership of health innovations.

Other winners are Derick Matsengarwodzi from Zimbabwe (Online Category), Portia Garbor from Ghana (TV Category), and Leocadia Bougben, a Cameroonian who won the grand prize. Read more

Contribute by Bamise Dada