The Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Malaria Eradication and Safe Health Initiative, MESHI, to raise consciousness on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Communicable Diseases, SRHR/CD, among university students in Anambra State.
The State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, announced this in Awka during an advocacy visit by a MESHI delegation led by the Executive Director of MESHI, Prof. Dennis Aribodor.
MESHI is a community-based implementing partner under the SRHR/CD Project, working closely with state and local government health authorities, healthcare workers, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community stakeholders to promote service integration and ensure that no one is left behind, particularly women, young people, and other vulnerable populations.
The SRHR/CD Project aims to improve awareness, demand, and utilization of essential health services such as family planning, cervical cancer prevention (including HPV vaccination), prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV services, and response to gender-based violence (GBV).
A key component of the project is strengthening referral systems to ensure that clients receive timely and appropriate care across different levels of the healthcare system.
According to Comrade Odogwu, the NUJ Anambra State Council, with its 20 chapels, including members of the UNIZIK FM chapels where the team was received, remains a viable partner in the promotion of people-centric ideas and information.
He is reassured by the support of the NUJ Anambra State Council under his watch to ensure MESHI achieves its set SRHR/CD goals, especially in eradicating malaria and ensuring safe health.
Earlier, the Executive Director of MESHI, Prof Aribodor, asserted that the role of the media is critical to the success of the project by amplifying accurate information, raising awareness, and shaping public perception.
Prof Aribodor stated that media professionals can help increase utilization of life-saving health services and promote positive health outcomes across communities.
“What we want to achieve is to mobilize the relevant stakeholders to begin to play active roles in the efforts to eradicate malaria and ensure safe health for all.
“We recognize the key role the government has to play, but the government cannot do it all. It is worrisome that in some communities, some practices that preclude women from accessing quality health services are still prevalent and this is unacceptable!
“That’s why we are working with the media to ensure proper sensitization of the public on health concerns and the correction of various stereotypes that have mitigated health interventions in the state.
“It is our belief that when all hands are on deck, we would be able to achieve our set goals on SRHR/CD,” Aribodor enthused.
Also contributing, the Programme Manager of MESHI, Chioma Nnagbogu, called on media practitioners to partner in disseminating key messages on sexual and reproductive health rights, combating stigma and discrimination, and supporting advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening the healthcare system in Anambra State.
The Chairman, UNIZIK Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Chika Nnabuife, expressed gratitude for the advocacy by MESHI and assured the delegation that NUJ Anambra State Council will be of greater help in propagating the message of MESHI to not only the general public, but to youths in tertiary Institutions.
