World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with the Yobe Government
on Thursday trained journalists on effective way of reporting various types of outbreaks.
The WHO State Coordinator, Dr Alhassan Hamidu, made this known at the training venue in Damaturu.
He said “the training is to equip journalists with the skills to report public health events and outbreaks accurately, avoiding panic and misinformation among the public.”
Hamidu emphasised the importance of collaboration between the media and health authorities in responding to outbreaks.
He added that “we have been working with the state government to investigate and respond to outbreaks, improve surveillance
and enhance the capacity of media professionals to report public health events accurately.
”Dr Hauwa Goni, the Director of Public Health, Yobe Ministry for Health, highlighted measures taken by the ministry to address meningitis outbreak in the state.
The director listed some of the measures to include vaccination, timely treatment, procurement of drugs and medications.
Goni added that the ministry had also developed the capacity of health workers, including clinicians, laboratory personnel and community engagement focal persons to contain the outbreak. (NAN)
