Media urged to play role for eradication of polio
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information and Education Minister Musarrat Qadeem has urged upon editors and media managers to come forward and play their role in eradication of polio as mass media can bring behavioural and attitudinal change in the society and create demand among parents for the vaccination.
She said that effective communication strategy in consultation with media experts and other stakeholders should be made to raise awareness about disease among the masses and counter negative propaganda launched against the programme. Information Minister said this while addressing one day orientation workshop for media on polio eradication here Thursday at a local hotel. The workshop was organised by Health Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with Information Directorate. Secretary Information Azmat Hanif Aurakzai, Additional Secretary Health Saqib, Director Health Services Dr Roohullah, Deputy Director EPI Dr Janbaz Afridi, representatives of EPI, UNICEF and WHO were in attendance.
She said that mothers have the most important role in polio eradication and every segment of society and the entire nation is stakeholder in the programme as it is the matter of our children. Furthermore, she went on to add that educational institutes can play pivotal role in polio eradication, as teachers can inculcate the message in the minds of children and parents. She said that we have to link polio programme with Islam and Health where it is the prime responsibility of the parents to ensure healthy life to our children.
We need integrated approach and open dialogue on polio wherein people from media and different walks of life are included and their views are taken into consideration. Director Information Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shoaibuddin thanked senior media persons, editors and bureau chiefs for turning up in such large numbers and dwelled on the objective of the workshop.
He said that the basic motive was to refresh the knowledge of media persons about polio eradication that is declared national emergency by the government and to get their suggestions about improving the programme. Secretary Information Azmat Hanif Aurakzai said that Health Department with the support of UNICEF to arrange seminars and workshops for Ulema to take them on board on polio eradication initiative.
He said that media people can play major role in polio eradication and asked them to write editorials and write ups on disease awareness. Deputy Director EPI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Janbaz Afridi said that the role of media is multidimensional as it not only inform but educate and advocate for the marginalized segments of society. He said that media has always supported on health related issues and asked journalists to tailor their messages about health and polio in the context of changed security environment.
Source: Business Recorder
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