Kenyan Veteran Journalist Has Won Coveted Global Award
Leon Lidigu, a veteran Nation Media Group (NMG) journalist, has been honored by the global Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) for winning the 6th 2025 Women in Global Health Awards.
Amref Health Africa, the Ministry of Health Rwanda, the African Union, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) all collaborate to organize AHAIC.
The Women in Global Health Awards recognize changemakers who are working to develop and implement homegrown solutions to some of today’s most serious health and development concerns for women.
These individuals reflect Africa’s enormous potential for advancing health equity and sustainable development, and Lidigu is one of the iconic figures this year.
Lidigu received the Male Allies category, which recognizes those who actively promote gender equality in health by mentoring women, implementing gender-responsive policies, or promoting programs that support women’s leadership in global health.
Kenya's Journalist Leon Lidigu wins 6th 2025 Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) award.
— City Mirror (@citymirrorKE) March 1, 2025
The health and infectious diseases journalist is the only Kenyan in the winners' list. pic.twitter.com/ljImUkZtTr
As a journalist, Lidigu utilized his platform to draw attention to the suffering of young women in Kibra who were sexually molested and unable to purchase sanitary towels or even food.
His story about the ladies sparked a social media effort to assist them, and the project has benefited over 50,000 women from low-income households.
The journalist was nominated after the group asked the public to choose outstanding African women and male allies who are driving change in innovation, climate action, youth empowerment, community leadership, and economic development.
“It is with great honor and admiration that we congratulate you on being recognized as a Male Champion of Women at the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025,” read part of the award letter to Lidigu signed by Amref Health Africa Group CEO Dr Githinji Gitahi on Saturday, March 1.
“Your outstanding contributions to advancing and championing women’s health and empowerment, particularly through solution-oriented journalism, have made a profound impact.”
Lidigu thanked the AHAIC for the global recognition and dedicated the prize to the brave men and women who courageously speak out about the obstacles they encounter, allowing journalists to recount their experiences and affect critical societal reforms.
“I am so humbled and grateful for this global recognition. I was so surprised when they called me because I didn’t know someone had nominated me,” Lidigu said.
“I dedicate this global award to everyone who makes time to tell us their stories as journalists, especially in low-resource settings, and in so doing, help journalists to not only drive societal change but also hold governments and powers accountable.”
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He will fly to Kigali, Rwanda, from Monday, March 3 to March 6, for the AHAIC 2025 award ceremony.
Lidigu is a well-known name among journalists. He is a Kenyan climate health journalist who has won numerous global awards and currently works for Nation Media.
He also serves on the AfricaREACH Leadership Council, which aims to eliminate HIV/AIDS in children and young people by 2030.
He graduated from Pacific University in India with a First Class Summa Cum Laude in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Kenyan Veteran Journalist Has Won Coveted Global Award
