FROM SAMSON ALFA, MINNA
Niger State government said the symbiotic relationship with the media will not be distorted, even as it urged journalists to always be objective during the outbreak of epidemic for effective management.
Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mohammed Gana stated this at a one-day media engagement organised in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, WHO, held in Minna, recently.
He admonished journalists to guard against sensational stories that may worsen the crisis, but rather balance their stories for effective management by officials of the ministry.
The commissioner explained that the importance of the media cannot be overemphasised. “You are partners in progress, the reason we always go along with you anytime there is an outbreak is to enable you have on-the-spot assessment”.
The workshop which centred on health communication strategies, digital health communication and behavioral change, as well as cultural competence in health communication kept the journalists abreast of the dangers of misinforming the public.
The over six hours workshop broadened their knowledge on the dangers of misinformation, particularly at the grassroots.
One of the the papers presented by a retired Director of Information,Alhaji Musa Ladan dwelt on health communication strategies.
He said accurate information is vital during the outbreak of epidemic.
He warned journalists to be wary of the dangers of misinforming the public whenever there is an outbreak, as it will interfere with crisis management and escalate the situation.
In her submission, the Communications Officer, World Health Organisation, Mrs Patience Ajayi, who spoke on “Behavioural change communication”, said it is crucial as far as health issues are concerned. “It is part of the strategies to be adopted, as a new way of using community structure through emirates and wards.
Hajiya Maimuna Raji Egi Gogo, in her submission on digital communication, reiterated the need for the media to be objective to avoid misinformation, fake news or health crisis propaganda.
