By correspondent in Minna.
A new initiative, spearheaded by the “Fellows of the Niger State Health Misinformation Management Team”, under Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) has begun a sensitization campaign to address the dangers of health-related rumors, disinformation, and half-truths in Niger State.
The 25 Fellows, including journalists from various sectors, have expressed concern about the widespread dissemination of inaccurate information, which negatively impacts the health sector.
During a visit to the Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta Memorial Primary Health Care Centre in Minna, the state team lead, Mr. Daniel Atori, said their inaugural campaign—a road walk from Obasanjo Shopping Complex was to raise awareness about the importance of verifying health information.
Atori, who emphasized the campaign’s goal to combat misinformation, which he noted, has undermined efforts to provide quality healthcare,urged citizens to disregard rumors and seek accurate information from credible sources.
Niger State Health Educator, Yusuf Ali, also addressed misconceptions surrounding government health interventions, such as immunizations, assuring the public of their safety and effectiveness.
The campaign partnered with the Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health Care, the Commissioner for Primary Health Care, the Ministry of Information, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
As part of the campaign, the group distributed Long Lasting Insect to women and nursing facilities.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
