Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, WHO, UNICEF Partners NAWOJ to Boost Measles Vaccination Awareness
By Precious Ahiakwo
Dr. Babbo Diana, the State Health Educator with the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, has called on the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Rivers State chapter to take a leading role in raising awareness about the importance of measles vaccination. During a recent courtesy visit to the NAWOJ executives, Dr. Diana highlighted the crucial need for parents to ensure their children receive the necessary immunizations, particularly against measles, a highly contagious and preventable disease.
In her address, Dr. Diana emphasized the pivotal role that journalists play in educating the public on health matters, especially regarding vaccines, which can save the lives of children at risk. She urged NAWOJ to champion the cause of immunization by leveraging their platforms to combat misinformation and promote public health awareness.
**”The Role of Women Journalists in Public Health”**
Acknowledging the influence of the media in shaping public behavior and opinion, Dr. Diana stressed the importance of collaboration between health authorities and media professionals in the fight against preventable diseases. “We are appealing to NAWOJ to help spread the word on the importance of measles vaccinations. Your voices can reach homes and communities that need this information the most. Our children’s lives depend on it,” she said.
Dr. Diana pointed out that despite the availability of free vaccines in health centers across Rivers State, many children are still unvaccinated due to parental neglect or misinformation. Measles, a potentially deadly disease, can cause severe complications, including blindness and brain damage, and remains a significant threat to children under five years old.
She highlighted that NAWOJ’s unique position as an organization of women journalists, many of whom are mothers and caregivers, gives them an added advantage in reaching parents with important health messages. “As mothers, you understand the importance of protecting your children, and as journalists, you have the means to share that understanding with others,” Dr. Diana added.
**”NAWOJ Pledges Support”**
In response to Dr. Diana’s call to action, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Rivers State chapter, Mrs. Susan Serekara-Nwikhana assured the health educator of the association’s full support. She expressed NAWOJ’s commitment to using their platforms to promote the measles vaccination campaign and to work with the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board to ensure that the public is informed and engaged.
“As women journalists, we are not only committed to reporting news but also to promoting the welfare of our communities. We will do everything in our power to ensure that every parent is made aware of the importance of vaccinating their children against measles and other preventable diseases,” Mrs. Susan said.
**”The Urgent Need for Vaccination”**
Dr. Diana stressed that the measles immunization campaign is particularly urgent given the ongoing outbreaks in various regions. She urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the free vaccination programs available at all health facilities, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access may be limited.
She also underscored the importance of the media in dispelling myths surrounding vaccination, noting that misinformation has been one of the major barriers to achieving high immunization coverage.
**”A Call for Collective Action”**
Dr. Diana concluded by calling on all stakeholders, including journalists, parents, and community leaders, to join forces in ensuring that every child in Rivers State is vaccinated against measles. “We need to act now to protect our children. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent these diseases, and with your help, we can ensure that no child is left behind,” she said.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to intensify efforts to increase vaccination awareness across Rivers State, with both NAWOJ and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board pledging to work closely together to improve child health outcomes through increased public education and immunization campaigns.
This collaboration with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and NAWOJ RIVERS STATE CHAPTER aims to enhance public awareness and encourage widespread participation in the state’s ongoing measles vaccination campaign, ultimately reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases among children in Rivers State.