Traditional Media Content Gatekeepers have been charged to be influencers and champions for Gender Justice and Better Health Outcomes, especially Maternal and Child wellbeing in the country.
Director of Programmes, International Society of Media In Public Health, ISMPH, Mr Solomon Dogo gave the charge in lagos, at the closing of a two – day training for Traditional Media Influencers, put together by the organization in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and EngenderHealth.
Mr Dogo explained that the media professionals have been identified by the ISMPH, alongside the Legislature and Executive arms of government, as critical stakeholders that will actualise the mandate to prevent further Maternal and Child Mortality.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Government, Public Affairs Officer in the Ministry of Health, Mr Segun Ogunyinka highlighted conscious efforts of the government at promoting Maternal and Child Mortality and prevention of Gender Based Violence but noted the need for better collaboration across all levels.
Mr Ogunyinka urged the media professionals and the public to expose corrupt or unprofessional conducts at any health facility that may jeopardize the people – friendly health policies of the state government.
In his presentations, the facilitator, Mr Olumide Olaniyan, tasked the traditional media professionals to fully embrace the New Media, to achieve truthful, factual and ethical reportage of issues on Gender, Gender Based Violence, Family Planning and National Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health.
Mr Olaniyan also said that the media should hold government accountable on implementation of laws on gender issues and carry out post – legislative scrutiny of laws to ascertain their impact.
During the breakaway session, the participants identified the need for a more inclusive strategies to close gaps and improve on Public Health Communication, especially on the issues of Reproductive Health and Gender Based Violence.
The participants drawn from the Print and Electronic Media include Mr Abiola PETERS, the General Manager of Radio One 103.5fm.
Reporting by Abiola Peters