ISMPH trains 10 media journalists on GBV, family planning, others

As part of efforts to tackle the menace of Gender Based Violence (GBV), Family Planning and Reproductive, Maternal,. Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) in Kaduna State,  the  International Society for Media in Public Health (ISMPH) trained 10 traditional media reporters on new media skills.

Speaking at the workshop, Solomon Dogo, Director of Programmes, ISMPH remarked that a healthier society is a beacon of development, emphasising the need to seek media support in tackling the menace of GB and family planning in society.

“These groups of journalists are carefully selected in view of their pedigree in the practice. We hope at the end of the day you will help us to improve what you learn during the training,” he said.

Governance and Social Inclusion expert, Olumide Olaniyan had tasked traditional media practitioners to learn the skills of writing in line with the current trend of information dissemination.

He said traditional media practitioners cannot be left behind in using social media platforms to reach their target audience.

The expert noted that in view of the importance of health issues like GBV, family planning, RMNCAH, health messages go faster, therefore, journalists should learn the skills of reporting or sending their messages through short videos, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), among others used  by their medium.

He charged journalists to always use respectful language, rely on verified and credible data, promotes and calls for action whenever they are reporting health issues.

He warned journalists to avoid blaming survivors, spreading stereotype reports, misinformation and rumours as well as exaggerated reports.

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