The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture has strategized with the media on COVID-19 and polio vaccinations. The three-day immunization media strategy was held amid COVID-19 protocols at Duragi Hotel, Yola in Adamawa state. While unfolding the strategies yesterday (Wednesday), UNICEF’s Communication for Development Specialists, Elizabeth Onitolo disclosed: “Nigeria and Africa have been certified wild polio virus free,” warning that the certification calls for cautious celebration. According to her, “The fact that we have been certified WPV free does not mean that the risks are over.” She said the success being recorded is however still fragile; because immunization coverage is still low to further strategize with the media. Onitolo noted that many parents are still not compliant; while many children have not been vaccinated against polio and other child-killer diseases in the Northeast. On immunization media dialogue and strategy, UNICEF’s Education Reporting and Communication Officer, Folashade Adebayo, disclosed: “This media dialogue will improve the knowledge and awareness of key media practitioners on the risk of low routine immunization coverage due to COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. She said that it has led to the resurgence of major illnesses, including polio among many children.
“We should strengthen alliance and partnership with the media to support the national plan to increase immunization,” she said, stating that the introduction of covid-19 vaccines be included. She therefore solicited media support to increase the risk perception of the public on COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that the media support could promote preventive measures including pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical ones. Continuing, he added: “Others are to provide the media with additional sources of information on Covid-19 vaccines to counter disinformation, misinformation and rumors,” noting that this will build trust and confidence in the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. On vaccines acceptance to the public, she said: “You’re to boost vaccine acceptance by publicizing vaccination evidence. “Develop sustainable media work plans to increase demand for covid-19 vaccines and promote pharmaceutical/non pharmaceutical preventive measures for COVID-19. “Strengthen alliance and partnership with the media to support the national plan on immunization, including the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines.”
