In the bustling halls of the Asaa Pyramid Hotel in Kaduna, Nigeria, over 200 journalists, media executives, scholars, and advocates from across Africa gathered with a shared purpose: to redefine the role of journalism in addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges. The 8th Africa Conference on Development Journalism, held from December 4–5, 2024, wasn’t just about headlines—it was about lives.
From neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) silently robbing communities of sight to the invisible scars of mental health struggles, the conference spotlighted health issues often overlooked in the media. And the message was clear: journalists are not just storytellers; they are lifelines.
“We can’t let trachoma steal another vision”
Trachoma, a preventable and treatable disease, remains a leading cause of blindness in Africa. Yet, its victims often remain faceless and voiceless. At the conference, development experts painted a sobering picture: millions at risk, particularly in marginalized communities, due to low public awareness.
For journalists like Adama Musa, who has spent years covering rural health issues, this isn’t just a statistic. “I’ve met women who can no longer sew, farmers who can no longer till their land, all because of trachoma,” he shared during a panel discussion. “We have the power to shine a light on these stories and spark action.”
The conference called on journalists to step up—not just to report numbers but to tell the human stories behind them, stories that can drive public health campaigns and save lives.
Mental health: The stories untold
“Mental health is everyone’s story,” a panelist said, her voice steady but impassioned. The discussion turned to a crisis hiding in plain sight: the stigma and silence surrounding mental health in Africa.
Journalists were urged not only to report these stories but to approach them with sensitivity and depth. The call was personal, too. “We are often witnesses to tragedy—conflicts, disasters, human suffering,” one participant noted. “We need mental health support ourselves to continue this work without losing ourselves in the process.”
The call for innovation and inclusion
Innovation, a word often associated with technology, took on a deeper meaning during the conference. For the media, it meant finding new ways to connect with audiences, especially in communities where limited internet access and low digital literacy create barriers.
It also meant ensuring no one is left out. The communique emphasized the need for journalists to champion the rights of people living with disabilities by using inclusive language and highlighting their struggles and achievements.
For participants like Grace Okoro, a young journalist from Lagos, this was a turning point. “It’s not enough to just report what we see. We must advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves. That’s what inclusion means,” she said.
“Beyond the press conference”
As the conference drew to a close, a resounding message emerged: impactful journalism requires stepping outside comfort zones. It requires moving beyond press releases and press conferences to uncover the stories that truly matter—stories that highlight the challenges of forgotten communities and inspire action.
For many, the event was not just a professional gathering but a personal call to action. “The work we do isn’t just about news; it’s about people,” said Nicholas Dekera, one of the communique drafters. “If we can tell their stories, we can change their lives.”
A shared purpose
The 8th Africa Conference on Development Journalism ended with applause for its organizers, the African Media Development Foundation (AMDF), and sponsors like Sightsavers and Nigerian Breweries. But the real applause was for the collective commitment of those present to do more—to innovate, include, and inspire.
As participants left Kaduna, one sentiment lingered: journalism is not just a profession; it’s a responsibility. And the stories journalists choose to tell—or ignore—can make all the difference in the world.
