By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Journalists reporting on public health in Bauchi State have been briefed on innovative ways of crafting their stories in a way that could trigger positive healthcare outcomes in Bauchi State.
This was one of the major take aways at a one day media engagement meeting on health reporting services organised by the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BSPHCDA) which was aimed at discussing primary health care (PHC) services in Bauchi State with the media and other key stakeholders.
Over the years, the journalists, being change agents in the society had lend it’s support at ensuring improved immunization services, including outbreak prevention are effectively promoted so as to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable disease cases in our communities.
In a presentation titled: ‘The Media as Strategic Partner in Improving PHC in Bauchi’ State, an ICT Consultant, Ibrahim Juwara said that media practitioner’s role in changing perceptions and promoting best practices has been adding value in the quest for an effective and efficient healthcare service delivery not only in Bauchi State but across the globe.
Juwara emphasized that Media as an indispensable global tool for agenda setting assists in bringing health issues to the public domain with a view to making the public and policymakers to be aware of emerging and ongoing health challenges.
The resource person said that raising awareness captures reporting on outbreaks, health risks, and new medical research through news reports, documentaries, interviews, and articles, adding that, “this dissemination of information helps people make informed decisions about their health.”
He also stated that the media can influence health policy by highlighting gaps in healthcare systems, exposing inequalities, and advocating for policy changes.
He pointed out that positive media coverage can reduce stigma associated with diseases and promote acceptance of public health measures, while negative coverage can raise concerns and prompt action meant to shape Public Opinion.
While talking on the Media as a strategic partner for PHC services, the ICT Consultant stressed that the media is instrumental in promoting public health campaigns, whether it is vaccination drives, anti-smoking campaigns, or initiatives to reduce obesity, media coverage helps to amplify these messages to reach a wider audience.
On what the Media should do to champion PHC services, he urged Media practitioners as strategic partners to always strive in disseminating accurate and timely information about routine immunization, vaccine-preventable diseases, and vaccination schedules to the public.
The media engagement session attracted robust and productive contributions from participants who were drawn from Prints, Electronic and Online platforms.