In rural and urban Tanzania, breastfeeding can be a daunting challenge for many mothers. Misinformation, deeply rooted cultural stigmas, and limited access to healthcare resources often leave these women feeling isolated and unsupported. This scenario is not unique to Tanzania but is prevalent across many parts of Africa, where traditional practices often clash with modern healthcare advice.
Amidst these challenges, Kenyan journalist Janet Otieno-Prosper has emerged as a beacon of hope for African mothers. Drawing from her personal experience as a first-time mother, Janet transformed her challenges into a mission to empower women across the continent.
Her solution? The Nyonyesha app—a Kiswahili word meaning "breastfeed." This innovative digital tool provides accurate, culturally sensitive information on breastfeeding, maternal, and child health, filling a critical gap in many African communities.
Recently, The Respondent online senior reporter, sat down with Janet Otieno-Prosper, an award-winning journalist and International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ) Fellow, to discuss her journey from journalism to digital innovation, and how the Nyonyesha app is making a difference in the lives of parents across Africa. Here are excerpts from their conversation.
Q: What inspired you to create the Nyonyesha app, and how do you envision it impacting parents' lives across Africa?
The inspiration for Nyonyesha came from my personal experience as a first-time mother. I noticed significant gaps in accessible and reliable breastfeeding information, which made the journey quite challenging. This app was developed to fill those gaps by offering practical, easy-to-understand guidance on breastfeeding, maternal, and child health. I envision Nyonyesha becoming a vital resource for parents across Africa, empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions. This, in turn, should improve breastfeeding rates and enhance the overall health and well-being of mothers and children across the continent.
Q: How has your experience as a journalist influenced your approach to tackling issues related to women's and children's health in Africa?
My background in journalism has been crucial in shaping my approach to these issues. Reporting on health and human rights taught me the importance of credible, evidence-based information. I’ve always believed that this information must be accessible to everyone, especially vulnerable groups. My journalism experience equipped me with the skills to research, analyze, and present complex health topics in a way that is easy to understand. This approach is reflected in the development of Nyonyesha, where I ensure that the information provided is accurate, culturally relevant, and user-friendly.
Q: Can you share some of the challenges you faced as a first-time mother that motivated you to develop Nyonyesha?
As a first-time mother, I faced several challenges, primarily due to misinformation and societal pressures surrounding breastfeeding practices. There was a lack of reliable resources specifically tailored to the unique needs of African mothers. This motivated me to develop Nyonyesha, a tool designed to provide accurate, culturally sensitive information to support mothers through their breastfeeding journey and beyond. I wanted to create something that would help mothers navigate the often-overwhelming experience of new parenthood with confidence and the right information at their fingertips.
Q: With your extensive career in journalism, what key lessons have you learned about reporting on health and human rights issues in Africa?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the necessity of empathy and sensitivity when reporting on health and human rights issues. It’s crucial to listen to and amplify the voices of those directly affected by these issues. Storytelling is a powerful tool for change—it can bring attention to overlooked topics and influence policy. Another critical lesson is the importance of collaborating with health experts to ensure that the information presented is accurate. These principles have guided my work and are deeply embedded in the content we offer through Nyonyesha.
Q: What role do you believe digital platforms like Nyonyesha play in addressing gaps in maternal and child health information in Africa?
Digital platforms like Nyonyesha are essential in bridging the information gap in maternal and child health across Africa. These platforms offer immediate access to critical health information, which is particularly valuable in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. By leveraging technology, we can reach a broader audience and provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed health decisions. Nyonyesha, for instance, offers tailored content that resonates with African mothers, helping to demystify breastfeeding and child care in a culturally relevant way.
Photo by Naziru Muzungu captured for Malaika Media on behalf of JSI.
Q: How did your fellowship with the International Center for Journalists shape the development of the Nyonyesha app?
My fellowship with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) was pivotal in shaping the Nyonyesha app. The fellowship allowed me to attend the 71st World Health Assembly in Geneva, where breastfeeding was a major topic. It also provided opportunities to network with other journalists and health experts, helping me gain insights into the intersection of media, technology, and health communication. The experience honed my skills in leveraging digital tools to create impactful content, which directly influenced the design and functionality of Nyonyesha. Moreover, it reinforced the importance of evidence-based journalism, a principle that underpins all the information provided through the app.
Q: As a media trainer and mentor, what advice do you offer young journalists who aspire to cover health and development issues in Africa?
My advice to young journalists is to approach health and development reporting with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy. It’s vital to understand the cultural and social contexts of the issues you’re covering and to give a voice to the marginalized communities affected by these issues. Always seek out credible sources and collaborate with experts to ensure the accuracy of your reporting. Additionally, I encourage young journalists to embrace digital tools and platforms—they are powerful means to reach wider audiences and create meaningful impact. This is especially important in today’s digital age, where information can spread quickly and influence change.
Q: What are your plans for Nyonyesha, and how do you see it evolving to meet the needs of African mothers and children?
Nyonyesha has already made a significant impact, but there’s still so much more to do. I plan to expand the app’s features to include more comprehensive content on maternal and child health, tailored specifically to different regions in Africa. We are also looking at ways to integrate interactive features, such as live chats with health professionals, to provide immediate support to mothers. Additionally, I’m exploring partnerships with local health organizations to increase the app’s reach and effectiveness. My ultimate goal is for Nyonyesha to be a trusted companion for every African mother, helping to improve health outcomes for both mothers and children across the continent.
Q: Finally, how do you balance your work as a journalist, app developer, and mother? What drives you to keep pushing forward in all these areas?
Balancing these roles is challenging, but my passion for improving the lives of others keeps me going. As a journalist, I’m driven by the desire to tell stories that matter and make a difference. As a mother, I want to create a better world for my children and other children across Africa. As an app developer, I’m motivated by the impact that Nyonyesha is having on the lives of African mothers and their children. Each role feeds into the other, and I’m constantly inspired by the potential for positive change. It’s not always easy, but knowing that my work is making a difference keeps me pushing forward.