COVID-19: UNICEF reiterates commitment to partner media organizations on Child rights influenced reporting

The United Nation's Children Fund, UNICEF, has reiterated its commitment to partner media organizations in the country on child rights influenced reporting on COVID-19 pandemic.

UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Enugu, Dr. Ibrahim Conteh, made the commitment today Thursday October 7, at the Coal-City Enugu, during a one- day zonal media executive meeting on child rights influenced reporting on COVID-19 pandemic.

Conteh recalled that in February 2020, Nigeria recorded her first index case of the deadly virus that has claimed thousands of lives in the world today.

Represented by Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, the UNICEF Chief, explained that the meeting would propel media organizations to create action plan, develop stories and pitches that will increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake as well as desensitization on vaccine theories and debunking of associated rumour.

He commended the media for their up-to-date reportage on the virus   stressing that, there is need to increase their campaign in promoting the rights of Children and Women in the country.

“COVID 19 is here and it is not ready to leave. It is important our people are informed of this virus and how to prevent it. In all our news story, features, it is important we encourage parent to take their children for routine immunization".

In his remarks, the Director-General, Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, Ayanso Ayanso lauded UNICEF for their role in Nation building and for promoting the rights of Children as well as Women in the society.

According to him, the meeting will help to harness the collective role the media will play in enhancing the rights of women and children as it concern immunization and COVID-19 pandemic.

In her presentation, Communication Officer, UNICEF, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha Ogwe, assured that the Organization will continue to play a leading role in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

She disclosed that more 50 percent of children in Nigeria, have not been fully immunized.

"UNICEF is the leading advocate for children's rights, active in more than 190 countries and territories, to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. 

"The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and AIDS".

Our Kogi State Correspondent, who is attending the one-day zonal media executive meeting on child rights influenced reporting on COVID-19 pandemic, reports that the meeting was organized by UNICEF in collaboration with Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State.

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