Nation health reporter scoops global award

Ms Eunice Kilonzo, Nation's Team Leader on Health, holds the International Planned Parenthood Federation trophy she won at a global forum in Nusa Dusa, Indonesia on January 27, 2016. PHOTO | NJERI RUGENE | NATION MEDIA GROUP  

In Summary

• She was awarded by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) for a story on abortion in Kenya.
• She won in the English print category.
• IPPF Director of External Relations Mr Owain James said the awards seek to have reproductive health issues discussed.

By NJERI RUGENE
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Nation Journalist Eunice Kilonzo won an international award at a global forum in Indonesia for her reporting on reproductive health issues.

Ms Kilonzo, the Nation's Team Leader on Health, was Wednesday awarded in a ceremony that took place on the sidelines of the International Family Planning Conference in Nusa Dua, Indonesia.

She was awarded by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) for a story on abortion in Kenya.

She won in the English print category.

In her acceptance speech, Ms Kilonzo said: "This award is for Kwamboka, the 15-year-old girl I met at Kenyatta National Hospital, who because of a botched abortion ended up with kidney failure. She was lucky to survive but these are issues that should have all of us concerned."

According to one of the judges, Ms Jane Godia, the competition attracted nearly 165 entries.

"The two stood out because their articles were human interest stories that were factual and shared key information in a concise and interesting way," Ms Godia said.

IPPF Director of External Relations Mr Owain James said the awards seek to have reproductive health issues discussed.

"The IPPF African Journalist award recognised stories that promoted national dialogue and challenged governments on their family planning commitments."