Nigeria Health Watch has launched the Health Professionals Communications & Advocacy Learning Programme (HPCALP), a specialised learning programme designed to equip health professionals with the communication and advocacy skills they need to become more effective public voices and champions for better health in Nigeria.

Running from 9 October to 20 November 2026, the six-week programme will bring together a select cohort of health professionals from different disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, laboratory science and other health-related fields.

While health professionals play a critical role in delivering care and generating evidence, their influence extends beyond clinical and technical spaces. They are often among the most trusted sources of health information and are uniquely positioned to help the public understand complex health issues, counter misinformation, influence policy conversations and advocate for better health outcomes.

HPCALP was developed to help participants translate this professional expertise into effective communication and advocacy.

The programme combines virtual learning sessions, practical exercises, guest speaker engagements and an immersive practical component designed to expose participants to how communication and advocacy work in real-world settings. Participants will explore topics including the role of communication and advocacy in health, communicating evidence to wider audiences, shaping health narratives and influencing policy, media engagement, thought leadership and countering misinformation.

Speaking about the programme, Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, said: “Health professionals have a unique role in shaping how people understand and respond to health issues. Through the Health Professionals Communications & Advocacy Learning Programme, we aim to equip them with the skills to communicate clearly, counter misinformation and advocate effectively. We look forward to participants emerging as confident, trusted voices and champions for quality health information in Nigeria.”

Participants will also be supported in applying what they learn through practical assignments and communication exercises, with opportunities to develop their skills in areas such as public speaking, media engagement, writing, and communicating health information to non-specialist audiences.

The programme is designed not simply to train participants, but to build a network of health professionals who can use their voices and influence to advance important health conversations within their institutions, communities and the wider public sphere.

At the end of the programme, participants will be expected to apply their communication and advocacy skills within their professional contexts and contribute to more informed public conversations on health.

Building Trusted Voices for Health

HPCALP forms part of Nigeria Health Watch’s broader commitment to strengthening the capacity of health professionals and other stakeholders to communicate effectively on health issues and contribute to evidence-informed advocacy.

As Nigeria continues to navigate complex health challenges. From misinformation and declining public trust to persistent gaps in access and health financing, the ability of health professionals to communicate clearly, engage strategically and advocate effectively is increasingly important.

Through HPCALP, Nigeria Health Watch hopes to support a growing community of health professionals who are not only experts in their respective fields, but are also confident communicators, effective advocates and trusted voices for health.

For more information about HPCALP, follow Nigeria Health Watch on its social media platforms or visit the Nigeria Health Watch website.

About Nigeria Health Watch

Nigeria Health Watch is a non-profit organisation that uses evidence-based advocacy, health communication and journalism to influence public discourse and policy around health in Nigeria. Through strategic communication, partnerships and capacity strengthening, Nigeria Health Watch works to ensure that health remains at the centre of national conversations and decision-making.

Media Contact:
Asari Ndem
Senior Manager, Strategic Communications
Nigeria Health Watch
Email: ANdem@nigeriahealthwatch.com