ZIMBABWEAN journalists excelled at the just held Merck Foundation More than a Mother Media Awards, with HealthTimes Journalist and Editor, Michael Gwarisa emerging one of the winners during the ceremony that was held virtually.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
The awards recognized Journalists who did exceptionally well with regards to reporting on Infertility and diabetes on the Africa continent.
Michael, a multi award winning health Journalist in Zimbabwe came out third in the Online Media category in a heavily contested competition against fellow Journalists from the Southern African region.
In an interview following the awards ceremony, he said he was jubilant to receive his first regional award.
I just want to thank the Merck Foundation for this opportunity and for recognizing me. I have won several media and health reporting awards locally and this is actually my first time to have my work recognized beyond the Zimbabwean boarders,” he said.
He added that he was dedicating his award to late sister who passed on in 2022.
“Whenever I would win awards before, my sister would call me to congratulate me and I would tell her that one day, I would win a regional and international award. Unfortunately she is no longer here to see me fulfilling my promise to her but never the less, I say this is for you my sister wherever you are.”
Among some of the winners from Zimbabwe were Glenda Takachicha from Capitalk FM, who came out tops in the Radio category in the Southern Africa region, Catherine Mwauyakufa who scooped an award for reporting on diabetes through a story that was published on HealthTimes. Muchaneta Chimuka from the Kwayedza also came third under the Online Category.
In the print media category, Phillipa Chinhoi from The Herald, Nyasha Mutonho from the Patriot also got wards in that category in Southern Africa.
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rasha Kelej congratulated the winners and encouraged them to continue amplifying the health and community voices around infertility and diabetes.
