As part of series of the Media Epidemiology Infodemiology and Social and Behavior Change Risk Communication EIS Fellowship for cohort one organised by National Centre for Disease Control supported by Breakthrough-Action Nigeria, United States Agency for International Development, and The African Field Epidemiology Network a six-day training tagged “track one : Basic Epidemiology” has commenced for the thirty selected journalists.
The training holding at AFENET Office Abuja Nigeria, brought together journalists, health experts, and government officials from the NCDC,African Centre for Disease Control Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Federal Ministry of Environment to discuss the importance of accurate and responsible health reporting in the media.
The Director General of the National Centre for Disease Control Dr Ifedayo Adetifa in an opening remarks, emphasized the vital role of media in shaping public perception and understanding of health issues and security. He highlighted the need for journalists to uphold ethical standards, verify information from credible sources, and avoid sensationalism when reporting on health topics.
” In health generally ,it is essential that the public have trust in all sources of information so as to believe what they get from the media ,health practitioners,government and non government agencies .Therefore get the right sources or experts .Do not solely rely on press releases or statements but also get view points and perspectives,” he said.
The DG reiterated the importance of accurate and balanced reporting in contributing to public awareness and informed decision-making regarding healthcare services.
Dr Adetifa also encouraged ongoing collaboration between the media and health sector to ensure that accurate health information reaches the public.
“It is important to be quick but important to push out correct information ,because any misconception could be disastrous,” the DG added.
In an address the representative of the regional coordinator AFENET Dr Ndadlilnasiya Endie Wazir said the programmme is crucial for journalists to have a deep understanding of public health matters and to effectively communicate accurate information to the public.
Mrs Wazir said the Fellowship will provide an opportunity for journalists to interact with health professionals, gain insights into current health issues, and learn about best practices in health reporting.
” it is important to build capacity of the media in terms of epidemiology, how to communicate better when there is an outbreak of disease and the right thing to say and when best to keep quite . We are hoping that as your capacity is built, we are going to see changes in health reporting and programing”.
She said the EIS Media Fellowship aims to enhance the capacity of journalists in reporting on health care related issues with the ongoing global health challenges and the spread of misinformation.
Also, the representative of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria Mr Ahaziah Abubakar Suleiman told participants that they were selected amongst many participants from different parts of Nigeria and urged them to be committed in becoming agents of positive change in the health sector.”
This is the first of such Fellowship even around the world ,take it with all seriousness .One of the advantage of this programme is that you are easily going to become poll of reporters and producers that will network and verify information on health “.
He appreciated the organizers saying BON having seventeen broadcasters out of the thirty is a major beneficiary of the Fellowship hence holds it with high esteem.
Mrs Ojoma Akor who was elected governor of the Fellowship appreciated organisers of the programme and assured of harnessing it to improve health status and Health security of Nigeria.
The EIS Media Fellowship will serve as a platform for fostering collaboration between media professionals and health-care stakeholders by equipping journalists with enhanced knowledge and skills in health reporting.
