The International Society for Media in Public Health (ISMPH) has concluded a capacity-building workshop for 10 traditional media journalists, equipping them with essential new media skills to enhance reporting on Gender Based Violence (GBV), Family Planning, and Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) in Kaduna State.

The training reflects ISMPH’s strategic approach to leveraging media partnerships in advancing public health communication and tackling critical health challenges affecting communities across the state.

Solomon Dogo, ISMPH’s Director of Programmes, emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering a healthier society through strategic media engagement. “A healthier society is a beacon of development. We recognize that achieving meaningful progress on GBV and family planning requires robust media support,” Dogo stated during the workshop.

He noted that the participating journalists were carefully selected based on their professional track record and influence in the media landscape. “We are confident that these practitioners will become champions in disseminating accurate health information and driving social change through their enhanced skills,” he added.

Governance and Social Inclusion expert Olumide Olaniyan led sessions on adapting traditional journalism practices to contemporary digital platforms. He stressed that traditional media practitioners must embrace social media tools to maximize their reach and impact.

“Health messages, particularly on sensitive issues like GBV, family planning, and RMNCAH, require rapid and wide dissemination. Journalists must master the art of creating compelling short videos, utilizing WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and other digital platforms to engage their audiences effectively,” Olaniyan explained.

The expert outlined key principles for responsible health reporting, urging journalists to consistently use respectful language, rely on verified and credible data sources, and include clear calls to action in their reporting.

He cautioned participants against common pitfalls including victim-blaming narratives, perpetuating stereotypes, spreading misinformation or unverified rumors, and sensationalizing health issues through exaggerated reporting.

The ISMPH initiative underscores the critical role of media professionals as partners in public health advocacy and the organization’s dedication to building sustainable capacity for evidence-based health communication across Nigeria.