Meningitis Campaign: UNICEF, Urges Media to Take Front Role
By Alex Uangbaoje, Sokoto
Following the out break of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) type C in some state in Nigeria, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called on the Media and it’s practitioners to take the front role in promoting the campaign against the epidemic.
UNICEF noted that, by constantly informing and educating the people on CSM and steps to prevent the scourge, the media will become the champion when the fight is finally won.
Rabiu Musa, External and Media Relation Officer, UNICEF, made the call in Sokoto, during a stakeholders mobilisation meeting to kick-start CSM vaccination campaign in the State.
According to him, “fostering the development of values and attitudes that can promote CSM campaign and reporting fairly, honesty and accurately on the situation(s) in consultation with managers leading the containment of the disease will help in curbing the situation.
“The media can sensitize community members on the importance of their active engagement and involvement in CSM activities to achieve greater integrated results.”
Rabiu, added that “media can also generate political commitment for CSM support and initiatives for increased funding, engage in physical monitoring by policy makers.
“Ensure that governments fulfill their obligations for improved CSM campaign activities e.g. flag offs and providing directions to other key stakeholders.
“Advocate for adequate budgetary provisions for CSM activities. Ensure that producers, reporters and editors bring CSM issues to the front burner.”
