The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged journalists to use their reports to promote health information and increase awareness about public health issues.
In a one-day engagement for journalists in Adamawa State, Northeast Nigeria, the WHO collaborated with public health experts to provide updates on the recent outbreak of Measles and other diseases in the state.
During the engagement, Dr Toreo Ahemen, the WHO state coordinator in Adamawa, noted the importance of fact-finding before reporting, as it will help increase health information for proper attention.
He also highlighted the crucial role that mass media plays in shaping society, stating that “what you report is very important to us because it forms part of our action plans”
In his presentation on the aims and objectives of the engagement, WHO BAY States Communication Focal Point, Kingsley Igwebuike said the engagement is to enhance collaboration between Journalists and public health experts.
Kadabiyu G. Jones of State Epidemiology, State Ministry of Health, Yola says persons affected are unvaccinated children between the ages of 0-14 years, as the state government has 818 cases of measles from January 2024 to date across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Jones, who disclosed this during a media engagement in Yola, added that out of the figure, 143 were confirmed cases with 49 deaths.
In his remarks, the chairman of NUJ Adamawa State Dedan Ishiyaka described the media as a critical stakeholder in the health sector and stressed the need for Journalists to be adequately informed to enable them to report objectively.
Dr. Toreo Ahemen, WHO state coordinator in Adamawa
States Communication Focal Point, Kingsley Igwebuike, WHO
Kadabiyu G. Jones, State Epidemiology, State Ministry of Health, Yola.
Chairman NUJ Adamawa State Dedan Ishiyaka