Hala Nigeria: Many Voices, Better Lives - Health Story Challenge

This contest, organised by Hala Nigeria, seeks to reward "compelling stories that use traditional and/or digital tools to engage citizens on health topics that matter to them. The goal is to spur quality journalism, creative presentation, citizen engagement, and sharing of information." Individual winners will receive cash prizes of up to $1,000 and the opportunity to attend an intensive EditorsLab in Lagos.

The contest has two phases. In the first phase, applicants are invited to submit creative story ideas with the potential for citizen engagement. Those with the best ideas will be chosen as finalists who will receive assistance in developing their ideas and incorporating tools to engage the public. Completed projects will be submitted in the second phase.

Stories may focus on any important health topic. As stated by Hala Nigeria, public survey has found that Nigerians' top health concerns include malaria, antenatal care, typhoid, hypertension, diabetes, and accessibility of healthcare services.

The contest organisers are specifically looking for the following:

• Health focus: The story/report ideas must address health challenges and/or solutions, including diseases, treatments, service delivery, health structures, systems, or policies.
• Engagement: Hala Nigeria are especially looking for proposals to use innovative tools to reach and engage the public, such as social media, digital applications, or the use of text messaging to solicit citizen reports.
• Depth and Balance: applicants may propose feature, investigative or explanatory stories, multimedia reports, documentaries, discussion programmes, or digital platforms designed to engage the public.
• Creativity: Hala Nigeria encourage applicants to present ideas for using data, mapping, crowd sourcing or other visualisation tools to enhance their stories.

Click here for more information about the Contest.