Niyel Continues Action Against Vaccine Misinformation by airing “Hello Doc” Podcast on Top Radio Stations

DAKAR, Sénégal, 27 September 2022 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Niyel, one of Africa’s top advocacy organizations, is thrilled to be airing its first season of a health and immunization podcast series ‘Hello Doc’ on top radio stations. This series is to disseminate the podcast widely while giving an opportunity for the audience to engage with a professional who will provide accurate information. It kicked off yesterday, 26 September 2022, on Ouaga FM, Burkina Faso (also LIVE streamed via Facebook) and will be aired weekly on radio stations in Nigeria (in English), and in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burkina Faso (in French).

There will be six episodes covering topics such as the importance of vaccination, vaccination schedules, the role of fathers in immunization, the impact of immunization on communities, and how vaccination improves the economic fortunes of families.

“Creating a platform for people to discuss vaccines and immunization and engage with experts to clarify misinformation and misconceptions is essential in increasing confidence in life saving vaccines and routine immunization. Also, engaging through radio ensures that most communities are reached through a media platform accessible to them” says Dr. Obinna Ebirim, Senior Advocacy officer, Niyel.

Titled The Importance of Vaccination, the first episode of the 15-minute podcast will be information packed and offer eye-opening insights into the health and non-health values of vaccines and how missed vaccinations in children can lead to a delayed start in schooling, impair normal cognitive development, and have a negative impact on a child’s social functioning and educational prospects.

Dr. Laz Eze says, “It’s an honour to be part of this action to create awareness on the importance of vaccines and address misinformation or misconceptions. Even as an expert on this topic, I believe there are always new things to learn. That’s why it’s important to have continuous conversations and engagement about vaccines and immunization and how it can benefit individuals and communities.”

Commenting on the project, Valerie Traore, Founder and Executive Director of Niyel says, “Historic lack of confidence in vaccines and immunizations worsened by COVID-19 events has made the negative effect of distrust in vaccines even more profound. Since December 2021, we have been working to increase routine immunization confidence in Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Nigeria and ultimately, saving lives.”

“Having a diverse group of health experts who are at the forefront sharing their knowledge and availing themselves to answer questions after the podcast airs, gives this campaign the credibility it deserves. It’s our hope that our audience finds it equally engaging and informative,” adds Laetitia Badolo, Director of Advocacy and Impact, Niyel.

By extending the podcast to radio, the campaign will be more inclusive and interactive as it will include a 15-minute call-in period after the podcast broadcast, where listeners can ask questions and speak to the expert or comment on the podcast. Listeners can also engage online using the hashtags #PUHI and #ChangeCreators.

Interested persons can tune in to the first episode on the following radio stations and dates:

• RTNC, Kinshasa Frequency: 3985.00MHz; Website: https://rtnc.cd on Tuesday, 27 September at 15h05 GMT+1.
• Radio Oméga, Bobo Dioulasso Fréquence: 103.9; Siteweb: https://omegamedias.info/ on Wednesday, 28 September at 16h00 GMT.
• Citizen FM, Abuja Frequency: 93.7 FM; Website: www.citizenfm.ng/ on Thursday, 29 September at 11h30 GMT+1.
• Info FM, Lagos Frequency: 99.3 FM; Website: www.nigeriainfo.fm/lagos/player on Thursday, 29 September at 11h30 GMT+1.
• Mama Radio, Bukavu Frequency: 96.6 FM; Website: www.mamaradio.info on Friday, 30 September at 19h30 GMT+1.

Distributed by  African Media Agency on behalf of  Niyel.

About Niyel 

Founded in 2008, Niyel is an international advocacy and campaigning firm based in Dakar, Senegal. It works to promote public policies that are conducive to the development of all people, and to influence practices to ensure that as citizens, individuals, and communities, we understand the social, political, and cultural issues that affect our daily lives.  

Media Contact

Meganne Boho

[email protected]

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