Sightsavers’ Joy Shu’aibu named an Inspiring Communicator

Sightsavers’ director for programme operations, Joy Shu’aibu, has been named a CharityComms Inspiring Communicator for 2020. This is in recognition of her dedication to responding to COVID-19 in Nigeria and the elimination of neglected tropical diseases.

CharityComms is a network made up of more than 8,000 professionals working in 700 UK charities. For this year’s awards, the judges were looking for communicators who have made a huge impact in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. And while 2020 may have not been the year we had all expected, Joy has risen to every challenge with great positivity.

Joy has been crucial in the development of the COVID-19 response in Nigeria. She worked alongside the programme’s technical team and M&C Saatchi World Services to produce culturally appropriate COVID-19 behavioural change mass media campaigns. The key messages Joy and her team helped develop focused on the need to point communities to the facts of COVID-19 and not the myths, while ensuring messages were accessible and inclusive. Materials created included COVID-19 related posters, billboards and TV advertisements, all in local languages.

Sightsavers’ Nigeria country director, Dr Sunday Isiyaku, said: “I am delighted that Joy’s hard work, commitment and leadership has been recognised through this award. Her commitment to eliminate neglected tropical diseases and her agility to help develop strategic communications to respond to COVID-19 is truly inspiring.”

Joy received her award virtually on 9 December.