No fewer than 20 journalists from different media outlets in Gombe state benefited from the three-day training organised by the Rotary International.
The raining was aimed at equipping the beneficiaries with knowledge and skills for effective reporting on Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health (RMCH) issues.
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The participants were also exposed to how to interpret health data and terminologies, for better and informed health stories to improve the lives of mothers and children.
Speaking at the workshop, Capacity Building Specialist at Rotary International, Ms Mary Alaje, said the workshop aimed to promote accurate and responsible reporting on RMCH issues, to address myths and misconceptions, in order to promote positive role models.
She added that the organisation’s ultimate goal is to improve the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents in Nigeria.
Ms Alaje added that the workshop was part of Rotary International ongoing efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality rates, by educating media practitioners so they could further enlighten the public.
In her session on Harmful Practices Affecting RMNCH, the state Coordinator of Reproductive Health, Aisha Isa Umar described harmful RMNCH practices as traditional or cultural practices that can cause harm to women, new-born children, and adolescents (RMNCH).
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She said the practices can be harmful in the area of reproductive health, with issues like female genital mutilation, early marriage, gender-based violence and unsafe abortions.
Other issues bordering maternal health are, “delaying medical care during pregnancy or childbirth. New-born health issues are denying them essential medical care or vaccinations among others.
In her presentation on the cultural and religious contexts of sexual reproductive health and family planning, state Family Planning Coordinator, Grace Mabudi, exposed the participants on how to better understand how family planning is perceived from several cultural and religious views.
“We want the journalists to understand how to handle scenarios with cultural and religious challenges in their reportage.
“They will also be equipped to anticipate reactions coming from divergent views on family planning, understand behavioural patterns of others, and how to inform them without abusing their sensitivity,” she said.
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Also speaking, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, commended Rotary International for organising the workshop.
He emphasised the importance of effective reporting in promoting health programmes.
The commissioner also pledged to support development partners and other stakeholders to ensure effective health coverage and improve wellbeing of residents of the state.
