By Nnedinma Okeke :
The Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ESPHCDA), Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, has urged media Stakeholders in the health sector on effective reportage with facts devoid of disinformation.
She noted that the print and electronic mass media tools in all forms such as: radio, television, newspapers and social media has the power to shape a section, influence behaviour and drive action in the fight against preventable diseases.
Dr Ani-Osheku said this during a one-day zonal media orientation for states within the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Enugu Field Office implementing the forthcoming Intergrated Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs).
The event held with support from UNICEF and implemented by National Orientation Agency (NOA) had in attendance media Stakeholders, State Health Educators (SHEs) and State Immunization Officers (SIOs) from Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Enugu and Kogi States respectively.
The Executive Secretary explained that during Immunization campaigns, the media is a powerful tool as it could be used to dispense fear, rumours backed with scientific facts, and encourage people to seek decisions capable of saving lives.
“Globally about 2.5 million children die annually from vaccine preventable diseases and this is not just tragedy for the families, it is a failure of our collective system to communicate effectively to those that needs these information the most.
“This is why the media is real, and in this age of information, every platform which can be accessed is a battle field for truth,” Dr Ani-Osheku said.
She, further, emphasized that immunization was the smartest way to go, as it was the most cost effective means to prevent children dying from vaccine preventable diseases.
“The media is an important tool to promote positive behavioural change toward Immunization uptake in the society.
“As we stand on the precipes of the Measles Immunization, we must all recognise the urgency of the task ahead, as in a couple of days most states will embark on the vaccination exercise.
“The campaign is not just geared toward ensuring 95 percent coverage, it is geared toward ensuring that no eligible child of nine to 59 months must be left unimmunized.
“We must actively engage, inform, and inspire as the media is not just a tool of information dissemination, but it is a means by which lives could be saved,” the Executive Secretary said.
She, then, employed the media stakeholders being champion of truth, warriors against misinformation, and advocate for children’s health working together, they can create a world where no child dies from a preventable disease.
Dr Ani-Osheku also expressed gratitude to State Governments of the Intergrated Measles campaign implementing States for their support to health programmes, and being health champions in safeguarding the lives of children.
*Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State