The Rotary Action Group for Reproductive and Maternal Health (RMCH), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), State Ministries of Health (SMOH), and supported by The Rotary Foundation, has successfully conducted a comprehensive training workshop for journalists and talk show hosts across Nigeria.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the initiative aims to enhance reporting accuracy and depth on health and population issues, with a primary focus on maternal and child health.
During the series of training sessions held in Gombe, Professor Emmanuel Adedolapo Lufadeju, National Coordinator and Country Director of RMCH, emphasised the urgent need to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates resulting from pregnancy and childbirth complications.
Mr Mohammad Dantata Ndus, Gombe State Representative of Rotary, delivered Lufadeju’s speech, highlighting the crucial role of trained journalists in increasing community awareness and engagement in reproductive health issues nationwide.
“Our ‘Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria’ programme aims to empower journalists to produce a minimum of 180 impactful articles and stories within the next two years. These will cover critical areas such as family planning, maternal health, reproductive health advocacy, and public awareness,” stated Prof. Lufadeju.
He emphasised the programme’s objective to leverage media platforms for advocating improved healthcare access and the adoption of web-based electronic data management systems nationwide.
In an address, Dr Habu Dahiru, Gombe State Commissioner for Health, stressed the significance of accurate language in health reporting. He cautioned against the misuse of language, which could significantly influence public perceptions of health issues.
Dahiru urged journalists to incorporate precise language supported by data, visuals, and interviews to prevent misinformation.
Describing the workshop as timely and crucial, Dahiru pledged the state government’s full cooperation with Rotary and other health partners to address healthcare challenges effectively. He encouraged journalists to apply the knowledge gained to enhance health reporting and community education.
Addressing Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health plus Nutrition (RMNCH+N), Dr Habu Dahiru underscored journalists’ critical role as stakeholders in reducing infant and maternal mortality through advocacy and comprehensive reportage.
Also contributing the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr Abdulrahman Shuaibu highlighted Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to improving health outcomes in the state and urged for expanded media coverage of health initiatives to benefit grassroots communities.
He government doing it best to improving primary health care services by renovation and construction of health care facilities across the state and human resource for health as well.
Our correspondent reports that the workshop’s objective is to equip journalists with essential skills to significantly contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality and addressing health challenges faced by women, men, and adolescents across Nigeria. It reflects Rotary’s commitment to scaling effective health interventions, including quality gynecological examinations, family planning services, and comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care.
Through collaborative efforts with government bodies and strategic partnerships, RMCH and its stakeholders aim to catalyze impactful changes in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. The training programme marks a crucial step towards achieving sustainable improvements in reproductive and maternal health outcomes nationwide.
