Health and media in Africa: when a lack of resources undermines trust

---

Extract from the article: Health journalism in Africa is going through a critical period, facing a double challenge: a lack of resources and eroding public trust. This is the conclusion of the Africa Health Media Trends Report 2026, published by FINN Partners at a hybrid pres

---

Health journalism in Africa is going through a critical period, facing a double challenge: a lack of resources and eroding public trust. This is the conclusion of the Africa Health Media Trends Report 2026, published by FINN Partners at a hybrid press conference held in Kenya.

The report highlights that African newsrooms, often faced with limited resources, struggle to provide reliable health information. Declining global health funding, the rise of non-communicable diseases, the effects of climate change and persistent epidemics further complicate media coverage of these issues.

Based on testimonials from journalists, editors and advocates from eleven African countries, the document reveals a reduction in specialised health services and limited access to reliable data, while the public demands accurate and credible information.

For Peter Finn, founder of FINN Partners, this period is a ‘pivotal moment’: ‘The weakening of journalism directly harms public health, because effective health systems rely on strong and competent media.’ He emphasises the role of journalists in analysing reforms related to health financing and the health sovereignty of African states.

For her part, Maryam Bigdeli, former official at the World Health Organisation, highlights the influence of the media on public confidence and the direction of health policies. She advocates for resilient systems based on strong primary care, sustainable financing and responsible governance.

Despite these challenges, the report notes a positive trend towards solutions-oriented journalism that is more grounded in local realities. According to Sheriff Bojang of The Africa Report, African journalists now favour local expertise and contextualisation, breaking with a narrative focused solely on crisis.

The report concludes with a call for increased investment and sustainable partnerships to strengthen the quality of health information and, ultimately, improve public health outcomes on the continent.

William O.