Conceptual Review of Media Representation of Health Crises in Nigeria

Abstract

In recent decades, Nigeria has grappled with a succession of public health crises, from the
Ebola outbreak of 2014 to the more recent COVID-19 pandemic. The media’s role in
framing these health emergencies has influenced not only public perception, but also the
policy responses and behavioural patterns of the population. Despite this critical interface
between media and public health, substantial gaps remain in our understanding of how
Nigerian media construct and communicate these health crises. This study was, therefore,
aimed at reviewing the conceptual patterns through which health crises are represented in
the media, with specific focus on framing approaches. Anchored on the framing theory
and agenda setting theory, the study adopted a library-based research method, relying on
a rigorous review of extant literature, including scholarly articles, reports, books and
online media documentation. Findings revealed that Nigerian media often employ
episodic rather than thematic framing, sensationalise health crises and inconsistently
align with public health objectives. It also uncovered a disconnect between media frames
and cultural contexts, thus limiting effective public engagement. The study concluded
that there is a pressing need for culturally sensitive, ethically grounded, and scientifically
informed media strategies in reporting health crises. Among the key recommendations
are the development of media guidelines for public health coverage, training for
journalists on health communication ethics and the institutionalisation of public health
communication as a journalistic specialisation. These insights provide a foundation for
reshaping public health communication through more responsible and impactful media
framing in Nigeria.