JoyNews' Emefa Ewoenam Atiamoah-Eli has been named the Best Journalist in Health Reporting (Radio) for West and Central Africa at the 2025 REMAPSEN Media Forum and Awards in Cotonou, Benin.

Her win highlighted a landmark event for Ghana, which was also awarded the “Most Committed Country” prize and selected to host the forum’s 2026 edition in Accra.

Mrs Atiamoah-Eli, who serves as both Ghana’s National Coordinator and the West/Central Africa Regional Coordinator for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health for REMAPSEN, received the award during ceremonies coinciding with World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day on January 30, 2026.

In her acceptance, the JoyNews editor described the recognition as a reinforcement of journalism’s social contract.

“This award reinforces the responsibility to tell health stories that are centred on people and capable of influencing policy and behaviour,” she stated, reaffirming JoyNews’s commitment to covering issues affecting vulnerable communities.

Alongside the individual journalist award, Ghana received the Michel Sidibé Prize for demonstrating “sustained engagement, institutional support and active participation” in the network’s advocacy. In recognition of this commitment, REMAPSEN President Bamba Youssouf announced Ghana as the host for the 2026 Media Forum and Awards.

“Ghana has demonstrated leadership, consistency and commitment to REMAPSEN’s mission. Hosting the 2026 Media Forum and Awards in Accra is a recognition of that commitment,” Youssouf said.

The high-level forum, supported by partners including the Gates Foundation and the WHO, centered on the critical role of African media in advocating for NTDs and other pressing health and environmental issues.

“There is no effective public health response without credible journalism. Journalists are essential partners in combating misinformation, demanding accountability and ensuring that no community is left behind,” said keynote speaker Dr. Michel Sidibé, African Union Special Envoy and former UNAIDS Executive Director.

REMAPSEN, the African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment, established in 2020, works across the continent to strengthen media capacity and advocacy on health and environmental issues.

The 2026 Accra forum is expected to focus on reproductive health, climate resilience, and health communication.