SMAF

Media professionals under the auspices of Sustainable Media Advocacy Foundation (SMAF), yesterday, resolved to intensify media campaign against the wrong public perception on vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus for young girls between the ages of nine and 14 years in the state.

The foundation Chairman, Mr. Kalu Idika, made this known at its advocacy meeting organized to review its activities in Lafia.

According to the SMAF Chairman, the objectives of the organization include promotion of media engagement for sustainable development.

“We are available to partner with any group to create every necessary awareness to people at the grassroots level. We are registered professionals ready to partner with any interest organization to sensitize, promote and reach out to the nooks and crannies of the state in any field of endeavor.”

The chairman however recalled that the foundation had undergone several trainings and has also engaged in sensitization in the area of safe sex among adolescents and maternal mortality in partnership with local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

Mr. Kalu noted that the foundation is currently partnering with the National Primary Health Development Agency (NAPHDA) to ensure that girls between ages six and 14 years receive vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus, HPV, launched by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

Kalu however stated that the Foundation has undertaken many activities in the past as well enjoyed technical support from international organizations and Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NAPHDA).

Mr. Ishaya Amegwa who represented the state’s Health Educator, commended the Foundation in ensuring adequate awareness though the myth and misconceptions about the vaccine.

“With the help of the media engagement, more people are coming out even as parents are bringing their girls in the age bracket to receive the vaccine.

“The media came to our assistance and created the necessary awareness that we needed at that the time to encourage the young girls to avail themselves for the vaccination.

Also speaking, the Research Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support Lead of the Challenge Initiative (TACO), Oluwafemi Timothy Rotimi, commended SMAF for the collaboration commencement and implementation of its programme in the state.

Rotimi also noted that the Foundation had reached out to various communities and the public through its media platforms in order to communicate the positively outcome impacted on the wellbeing of the people of the state.