Kenya: Journalists from the nation are honored at the Merck Foundation Media Awards

The awards ceremony, co-sponsored by the Nation Media Group and the Merck Foundation, recognized the excellent journalism produced by media professionals who presented reports on infertility

The NTV story, A tale of shame and suffering of childless women. in Busia, won a cash prize of 5000 US dollars (Sh500,000) in the TV category

Ms. Namukabo expressed her joy at the victory, saying that it was a story that she felt obliged to tell.

Ms. Werunga

Other winners include Gardy Chacha, of Standard, who won in the print media category for her story, Cecilia Wairimu. : A woma

BARRENNESS

Impact Media founder and language and media student Lilian Kaifuri has won $ 1,000 (100,000 shillings) in the student category for her story, Anger of the sterility in kamba culture

Tom Mshindi, editor-in-chief of Nation Media Group, Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, William Pike, chief executive of Star, and Carole, publisher. Mandi, the editor of Parents Lily Ronoh-Waweru among media personalities was present

The event also included a roundtable bringing together Mr. Mshindi, Ugandan Minister of Health Sarah Opendi and Dr. Kelej from Merck

Mshindi said that he decided to record an online video calling on media colleagues to tell stories of infertility.

"I did a video online and asked colleagues to go out and tell stories about infertility." This can be a very personal problem. When you talk about it, be faithful to facts, but respect the privacy of affected couples, "said Mshindi.

"These (affected) couples would like to support us by lending their voice to our stories, respect the confidentiality of sources, be honest and sensitive to what couples say.The good news is that infertility loses a lot part of its stigma as the issue gains in coverage and understanding in this region, "Renee Ngamau, chief editor of Capital FM, told the media.

"We must examine our own perceptions and the change we seek to achieve will emerge from our voices.

INFERTILITY

M. Pike called infertility a "problem that contributes"

"Infertility is a devastating problem that has negative consequences, including violence in marriages," he said.

Dr. Kelej says that men contribute to about 50% of infertility cases. "Men too can be stigmatized because of this. Opendi said her country has set aside a budget to help women solve their fertility problems.

"Uganda will devote two floors to the next women's elections: In Vitro Fertilization Hospital (IVF) With the help of Merck, we have trained an embryologist who will be badigned to the institution. The services offered by the six private fertility clinics in Uganda are expensive, hence the need for an institution that will make services affordable and accessible to many people, "said Ms. Opendi