By Staff Reporter
International philanthropic work organisation, the Merck Foundation has honoured journalists who excelled in the Foundation’s More than a Mother Awards.
The Merck Foundation ‘More than a Mother’ awards recognized Journalists who did exceptionally in reporting on women empowerment, ending Gender Based Violence (GBV), girls rights, infertility and diabetes on the African continent.
In an interview following the awards ceremony, online media category winner Healthtimes editor in chief Michael Gwarisa said he was excited to receive his first award beyond the borders.
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.
Runner up in the online media Adelaide Kuudzerema of 263chat said the accolade is a milestone in her life and will continue having the highest level of dedication in her work.
“I just want to thank the Merck Foundation for this special award and for recognizing me. Credit also goes to my bosses, this is actually my first time to have a work related award and what is more exciting is I have been recognized beyond the Zimbabwean boarders and I continue working hard to develop communities through highlighting critical issues,” Kuudzerema said.
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Rasha Kelej congratulated the winners and encouraged them to continue amplifying the community voices around women and girls affairs, infertility and diabetes.
“Let me remind you that these awards were also made possible through support from the First Lady of Zimbabwe and other African first ladies, Congratulations to all the winners and continue doing great in reporting about these issues,” said Dr. Kelej.
Among some of the winners from Zimbabwe were Glenda Takachicha from Capitalk FM, who came out top 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 Health Times, Muchaneta Chimuka from the Kwayedza also came third under the Online Category.
