Working journalists in Bauchi State have been charged with the need to promote issues of sexual reproductive health in the state by amplifying the messages, educating and informing, as well as inspiring action.
The charge was given on Wednesday during a one-day media engagement to promote sexual reproductive health in Bauchi State with the theme: “Amplify the message, educate, inform and inspire action on sexual and reproductive health,” held at the Conference Hall of the Bauchi State NUJ.
It was organised by Women, Child, Youths Health and Education Initiative (WCY) and LEADTOTS Development Initiative, in partnership with funding by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through PLAN International Nigeria.
Facilitator of the programme, Kamal Bello, explained that the aim of the project is to improve access to sexual and reproductive health education for adolescent girls, young women, and vulnerable groups in Bauchi State.
He also highlighted some LEADTOTS Development Initiative activities, which include strengthening sick bays in schools, providing pad banks for formal and non-formal schools, and establishing disposable pad incubation centres in the three senatorial zones of Bauchi State.
Others are strengthening learning centres for pregnant adolescents and young women, free medical services for indigent adolescents, among many others.
Kamal Bello, however, commended the state government for considering the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law and child protection law.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director, WCY/LEADTOTS Development Initiative, Nicholas Oshojah Afeso, said that the media engagement was aimed at bringing lasting solutions to the problems affecting adolescent girls on sexual and reproductive health in schools and communities.
He noted that the media plays a critical role in shaping public perception and influencing policy decisions, adding that without media they cannot achieve the desired objectives.
In his goodwill message, the State NUJ Chairperson, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, appreciated LEADTOTS Development Initiative for the collaboration and assured that Bauchi NUJ is ever ready to work in synergy by promoting meaningful ideas of the organisation for the benefit of the people of the state.
On her own, NAWOJ Chairperson, Rashida Yusuf, stressed the importance of sexual reproductive health education among adolescent girls and young women who are vulnerable members of society.
She assured that her members would include the project in its programmes in order to support the move and have a healthy environment.
Also speaking, Executive Director of Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD), Elizabeth Kah, expressed the readiness of her CSO to partner and collaborate with any organisation that is out to promote public health.
WASH Media representative also assured that members of the group would give their professional support to the success of the programme.
At the end of the workshop, a Media Working Group was formed, constituted and inaugurated.
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