The Bauchi Public Health Media Network (BPHMN), a non-governmental organisation of journalists and communications experts, in collaboration with the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSPHCDA), is set to address public health issues in Bauchi State, Nigeria, through the mobilisation of journalists.

The Chairperson of BPHMN, Mrs. Bulak Afsa, highlighted her organisation’s commitment to creating public health awareness. She added that journalists need to use their platforms to inform and educate the people on various issues of public health. She said these at an advocacy visit to the BSPHCDA.

The Executive Chairman of BSPHCDA, Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad, who welcomed the BPHMN team, said that for any health programme to be a success in the state the help of journalists is required. He stated that journalists can use their platforms to create awareness especially of the outbreak of Lassa Fever. He also stated that there is currently a need in the state to educate the public on proper hand washing and personal hygiene.

In her remarks during the visit, the media focal person for Challenge Initiative and Development Communication Network, Elizabeth Carr, said that 18 journalists, including State Information Officers, had been trained by her organisation to assist in carrying out campaigns on public health issues. She noted that no public health campaign will be successful if the media is not mobilised.

Source: This Day

Photo source: Lisa Marie Cannon