The Kano State Government has called on media professionals to work closely with the Ministry of Health, Kano Centre for Disease Control and other health parastatals in risk communication and community engagement, particularly during outbreaks and emergencies.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, made the call at a two-day Media Focus Workshop on Emergency Risk Communication, organised by the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) with the support of the FCDO–Lafiya Programme in Kaduna on Sunday.
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The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf underscored the critical role of the media in health security.
He cautioned against the dangers of panic arising from inaccurate or unverified information, stressing that misinformation during emergencies can undermine response efforts and cost lives.
This is contained in a statement by the KNCDC Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Dayyabu Ali, a copy of which was made available to the Punch on Monday.
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“The Kano State Government has intensified efforts to safeguard public health by convening a two-day Media Focus Workshop on Emergency Risk Communication, organised by the Kano State Centre for Disease Control with the support of the FCDO–Lafiya Programme,” he said.
The workshop, holding in Kaduna, brings together journalists, broadcasters, digital media practitioners and social media actors to strengthen accurate, ethical and coordinated media engagement during disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
The Governor further emphasised the need for strict adherence to professional ethics, urging media practitioners to always investigate, consult relevant authorities and verify information before dissemination.
The workshop is being driven by the strategic leadership of the Director General of KNCDC, Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas, whose commitment to preparedness, coordinated communication and infodemic management continues to strengthen Kano State’s emergency response architecture.
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Prof. Abbas reiterated KNCDC’s resolve to institutionalized consistent, accurate and people-centred messaging across all 44 local government areas of the state.
Sessions at the workshop focus on outbreak detection, responsible emergency reporting, misinformation management, social media engagement and the development of Kano State’s Media Emergency Communication Action Plan.
The initiative reflects the Kano State Government’s firm commitment to proactive health governance, strong institutions and effective partnerships, with KNCDC playing a central role in protecting lives through timely, credible and coordinated public communication.
