Journalists have been charged to prioritise positive reportage to drive awareness and advocacy on mother and child nutrition. Noting that positive journalism inspires changes and development in the society, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Officer, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, during a chat with the media at NUJ secretariat, Jos, Plateau State, acknowledged the productive advocacy partnership between the media and UNICEF in the state, and its contribution to curbing the burden of maternal mortality.
She revealed that Nigeria has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates in Africa, stating that given its large population, the country contributes significantly to global maternal and child deaths.
Her words: “That is why I urge you to embrace positive journalism. Highlight the good work being done, the successful interventions, and the practices that need strengthening. When good practices are promoted, harmful traditions gradually fade away.
“UNICEF believes that journalists are the backbone of every state. You are the voices and eyes of the people, capable of promoting good practices, while discouraging harmful traditions that hinder children’s development and nutrition. Through your work, you can educate communities, spread awareness, and highlight success stories. Positive journalism has the power to inspire change.
“Our shared mission is to save lives. Every child deserves proper nutrition, immunisation, birth registration, safe drinking water, sanitation, and access to education. These five priorities can ensure that every child in Plateau reaches their full potential.
“UNICEF is working at the national level to eliminate zero-dose cases, supporting every state to reach every child. We conduct rounds of immunisation and polio campaigns, and Plateau is among the states where we are aggressively implementing these efforts, just as we do in other focus states.”
The UNICEF official commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for funding nutrition projects, and taking bold initiatives in primary healthcare, including the provision of skilled birth attendants and safe delivery kits.
Also speaking, UNICEF’s Communication and Advocacy Officer in Bauchi, Opeyemi Olagunju, underscored the need for targeted advocacy in addressing children’s issues.
He urged journalists to go beyond press releases and engage directly with communities to report on child nutrition, school safety and sanitation challenges, stressing the role of child-led advocacy, encouraging platforms where children can voice their concerns directly to policymakers.
Earlier in his opening remarks, media partners of UNICEF communication, Umar Shira, pointed out that it was the responsibility of the media to ensure that the rights of the children and their mothers are protected.
