LEADERSHIP Reporter Wins Merck Foundation Media Award

LEADERSHIP reporter, Patience Ivie Ihejirika, has emerged as one of the winners of Merck Foundation 2024 Media Recognition Awards (print category).

The announcement was made during a virtual ceremony held via Zoom.

The Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards honour outstanding journalistic work that raises awareness about African health and social issues.

The awards aim to recognise African journalists who produce exceptional and insightful stories on health and related matters in their countries.
Beyond recognition, the awards also promote the exchange of ideas and perspectives through Pan-African forums, stimulating respectful dialogue on the critical role of the media in sensitising communities on important issues. These include infertility prevention, breaking infertility stigma, empowering girls and women through education, and raising awareness on the early detection and prevention of diabetes and hypertension.

Patience Ivie Ihejirika clinched the award for her exceptional reporting on diabetes and hypertension in Nigeria.

Her articles demonstrated extensive research, insightful analysis, and a firm grasp of the challenges people face with these conditions, while promoting awareness and preventive measures.

Her work stood out for its excellent storytelling and tangible impact on the community.

“We are thrilled to announce Patience Ivie Ihejirika as the winner of the print category of the Merck Foundation 2024 Media Recognition Awards,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation.
Expressing her gratitude, Ihejirika said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this award from the Merck Foundation. It is a privilege to have my work recognised.”

The Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2024 received entries from journalists across various platforms: print, radio, online, and multimedia in seven groups: Southern African Countries, West African Countries, East African Countries, African French-Speaking Countries, African Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Latin American Countries, and Asian Countries. Patience Ivie Ihejirika won under the West African Countries group.