By Ahmed Ahmed
Two nongovernmental organizations, Leadtots Development Initiative and Women’s Child Youth Health and Education Initiative (WCY), have called on journalists to strengthen their efforts in reporting on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH).
Speaking at a one day media engagement program funded by Global Affairs Canada through Plan International Nigeria, Mr Nicholas Oshojah Afeso, Executive Director, LEADTOTS Development Initiative emphasized the vital role of the media as the watchdog of society.
He highlighted that journalists have the capacity to inform, advocate, and educate the public on critical ASRH issues, thereby influencing policies and driving positive societal change.
Afeso calls on the media professionals to leverage their platforms in advancing the ASRH discourse,
“Thereby fostering a well-informed society where young people can make informed health decisions,” he said.
The program, themed “Amplify the Message: Educate, Inform, and Inspire Action on Sexual and Reproductive Health,” brought together journalists from various broadcast and print media.
Earlier, Mr Kamal Ali Bello of WCY in his presentation said the engagement aimed to enhance media reporting on ASRH, ensuring that young people receive accurate, timely, and impactful information about their sexual and reproductive health rights.
He explained the challenges of ASRH reporting and explored strategies to enhance media advocacy, public awareness, and policy influence in addressing adolescent health concerns.
On his part, Mr Umar Said, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ Bauchi Council reiterated the need for responsible and ethical journalism in tackling misinformation and promoting inclusive conversations around reproductive health issues affecting young people.
