Enhancing the role of mass media in the translation of evidence from health policy and systems research in Nigeria

There are massive gaps in communication between health researchers and policy-makers in Nigeria, which constrains the use of research evidence for policy-making. Mass media can help in bridging the gaps, especially since the media has the reach and a reputation for presenting information in ways that elicit actions from the public and policy-makers.

As part of the CHORUS work in Nigeria, the team at the Health Policy Research Group facilitated group discussions in a communications workshop with policy and media professionals. It was found that health research evidence, conducted using quality procedures and published in quality academic journals, barely make it to public and policy-making conversations as they tend to be restricted to traditional academic outlets. However, the media was found to be instrumental in the feedback of research results to communities, and securing policy-makers’ reactions and stimulating policy actions.

It is therefore important that researchers are strategic in the use of mass media, and our results showed how it can be done. In all, media usage for evidence translation has enormous potential to strengthen the health system.

Read the full article here: Enhancing the role of mass media in the translation of evidence from health policy and systems research in Nigeria

Agwu, P., Mbachu, C. & Onwujekwe, O. Health Res Policy Sys 23, 16 (2025).