The programme, held in Minna, was designed to equip media professionals with the knowledge and communication strategies needed to support the vaccination campaign targeting children between nine months and 14 years.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Primary Health Care, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, explained that the initiative seeks to strengthen immunity among children and curb the spread of measles and rubella. He applauded the media’s role in advancing public health initiatives and urged journalists to intensify awareness campaigns to encourage parents and caregivers to present their children for vaccination.
The State Health Educator, Mohammed Alhaji Usman, emphasised the importance of accurate reporting in dispelling myths and misinformation about vaccines. He encouraged participants to leverage their platforms to educate communities on the benefits of immunisation.
In his remarks, the State Immunisation Officer, Abubakar Usman Kpantu, reassured stakeholders of the state’s readiness, citing adequate logistics and strict vaccine safety measures to ensure a successful rollout.
From UNICEF’s perspective, Grace Ideyenmi, Social and Behaviour Change Lead, underscored the need for continuous community engagement to achieve high vaccine coverage. Similarly, Abdulkadir Mohammed, a UNICEF SBC Facilitator, conducted sessions on effective communication strategies to tackle vaccine hesitancy.
The orientation drew journalists from both print and electronic media, equipping them with advocacy skills and accurate information to strengthen the upcoming vaccination campaign and safeguard children across Niger State.