In a new demonstration of the transformative power of African journalism on the global stage, three reporters from Pan African Visions (PAV) have been honored in the 2024 edition of the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards. Held virtually on April 10, 2025, the ceremony highlighted the dedication of African journalists to critical issues in health and social justice, with the support of Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej and First Ladies from across the continent.
The awardees — Boris Esono Nwenfor (Cameroon), Wallace Mawire, and Prince Kurupati (both from Zimbabwe) — produced high-impact journalistic work covering gender-based violence, women’s reproductive health, and non-communicable diseases, respectively. Through deeply human and compelling narratives, they showcased how African journalism is paving the way for greater collective well-being and social awareness.
This recognition from the Merck Foundation not only validates the quality of their work but also welcomes them into an international network of journalists committed to driving change through public health reporting. For Boris Esono, head of PAV’s Cameroon bureau, joining this community is “an opportunity to amplify our voices and strengthen the advocacy for health rights across Africa.”
Ajong Mbapndah L, editorial director of Pan African Visions, celebrated the milestone as a reflection of the outlet’s mission: “Our commitment is to highlight the stories shaping the future of the continent. This recognition reaffirms that African journalism not only informs but leads the way toward transformation.”
With a widely read digital platform and a growing monthly magazine, Pan African Visions continues to establish itself as a key voice for an Africa that communicates, educates, and inspires the world on its own terms.
