Enhancing Health Communication: NSMPHC Collaborates with WHO to Train Journalists.
By Yahaya Zakka Minna.
The Niger State Ministry of Primary Healthcare, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has conducted a one-day training session aimed at improving health information dissemination within the state.
The event took place at Gudel Hotel in Minna, attracting participants from various media organizations, including fellows of the State Health Ministry information Management Fellowship Project and representatives from the National Orientation Agency.
Dr. Gana Mohammed, the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Primary Healthcare, underscored the significance of this media engagement training as essential for the realization of the New Niger Agenda in the healthcare sector.
He stressed the importance of cultivating a strong partnership between the ministry and media professionals, emphasizing that the ministry is dedicated to delivering quality healthcare services to the state’s residents.
Dr. Gana also urged journalists to ensure balanced reporting, warning that even a single piece of inaccurate information could have detrimental effects on public health.
Comrade Abu Nmodu, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Niger State chapter, praised the ministry for organizing the training, highlighting its role in reinforcing the relationship between the media and the ministry.
The training covered a range of topics in health communication, including strategy development, public health advocacy, digital health communication, behavioral change communication, and cultural competency.
Esteemed facilitators such as Mallam Musa Ladan Badeggi, Mohammed Alhaji Usman, Maimuna Raji Egigogo, Mrs. Patience Ajai, and Abubakar Usman Kpantu led these sessions.
Overall, the initiative aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge for accurate and balanced health reporting in Niger State.
