If the fight to end measles will be won, media practitioners and other concerned organizations must lead the forefront.
This was the central point of discourse at a one day Media Orientation Forum for Measles Containing Vaccination Second Dose, MCV2 introduction into routine immunization held in Abuja.
The one day forum which drew media practitioner’s executives, health Journalists and other stakeholders in measles vaccination implementation from the thirty six states of the Federation is targeted at better intimating the participants on the essential roles of better educating the members of the public on the inclusion of MCV2 into the national routine immunization schedule.
The programme facilitated by National Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre, NERICC and the National Primary HealthCare Development Agency was also expected to help the Journalists see the urgency of spreading the need for actions for the prevention of measles and help them see the need to separate personal prejudices from realities in the campaigns.
Measles, a viral disease remained one of the world’s most deadly disease with two hundred and forty six deaths recorded worldwide daily and one hundred and seventy thousand cases reported in Nigeria every year.
Mapping out the objectives and expected outcomes of the forum, the Consultant, Advocacy and Communication, National Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr Eugene Ivase underscored the important roles the media should play in properly educating the public on the importance of vaccinations to prevent the spread of measles among the children.
Dr Ivase said it is critical that this responsibility is taken in all programmes and news contents to reach more people and see reasons for them not to just leave it to government agencies alone.
In their separate lectures, the National Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre, NERICC MCV2 Focal Person, Dr Garba Bakunawa and Mr Isawa Muhammad called for urgent steps by members of the media to tell people what they stand to gain in accepting the Measles vaccination and in fighting it before it affects its people.
Measles containing vaccination, MCV2 exercise are for children from the age of fifteen months.
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