Sama Tounwendsida Hugues Richard
2019 West Africa Journalist of the Year
Sama Tounwendsida Hugues Richard was adjudged the 2019 West Africa Journalist of the Year. Richard, who is also the 2019 Best Journalist in Burkina Faso (Super Galian), works with the private newspaper L’Observeteur Paalga.
His story, “Maladies mentales dans la région du Nord : Le sacerdoce fou de “vagabonds de charité” (Mental Illnesses in the Northern Region: The Crazed Priesthood of “Charity Tramps”)”, was also adjudged the best report for the Health Category. The report highlighted the discrimination and miserable conditions of people living with the mental conditions in Northern Burkina Faso. The story further detailed the noble crusade natives in the communities have embarked on to restore dignity and chances of reintegration to people treated without regard because of psychosocial disabilities.
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