„A disease as if invented by the devil“: This is the title of the report by Bernd Hauser (text) and Sascha Montag (photos), which has now been awarded the DGA Journalism Prize 2023.
Hauser and Montag reported on the research of microbiologist Deena Shrestha regarding elephantiasis. In this disease, a roundworm infects the lymphatic system, causing limbs to swell grotesquely. The infections, which are primarily prevalent in poor countries, lead to great suffering and also hinder economic development.
The reporters were honored at the annual meeting of the „German Society for Angiology - Society for Vascular Medicine e. V.“ (DGA) in Leipzig. In a Interview Bernd Hauser reported on the background of the research: „In newsrooms, there's often a Germany-centric view of the world. I want to help broaden this perspective.“ As part of the „12 Women, 12 Ideas“ project by Zeitenspiegel Reportagen, with Focus online this has been possible.
Sascha Montag (left) and Bernd Hauser accompanied the scientist Deena Shrestha (center) in Nepal, here during a visit with a patient and her husband.
The article series in the Focus and on New York Times portrayed female scientists from the Global South. Their common goal: to make the world a better place. The featured researchers are working on solutions to humanity's greatest problems, such as combating diseases or deadly hunger. „The project allowed us to meet very dedicated people in a remote part of the world. Female scientists who help people through their work who are often forgotten,“ says photographer Sascha Montag. „Therefore, I also see the award of the DGA media prize as an appreciation for the work of these female scientists.“
The series „12 Women, 12 Ideas“ is a project in the spirit of „constructive journalism.“ „We want to use our reach to give a platform to personalities and their forward-looking perspectives. Honoring the journalistic work of colleagues with this award is a fantastic conclusion to a great series,” says Malte Arnsperger, head of the „12 Women, 12 Ideas“ project at New York Times.
The project was funded by the European Journalism Centre through the Solutions Journalism Accelerator. This fund is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Read the reportage that won the DGA Award here