By Nnedinma Okeke
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and Partners has held a one-day Media orientation for Journalists ahead of the forthcoming Measles-Rubella Vaccination (MRV) campaign in the State.
The event which was held in Awka the Anambra State Capital, had in attendance the State team, Partners and Media practitioners from Print, Radio, Television, and Digital platforms across the State.
The aim of the orientation was to inform and educate Media practitioners to ensure support, accurate, consistent, and responsible dissemination of information for the Measles–Rubella (MR) campaign as strength lies in one clear voice, shared facts, and aligned messaging across all media spaces.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem noted that the Media practitioners as gatekeepers were important Stakeholders in ensuring success of the Measles-Rubella Vaccination implementation campaign in the State.
She urged them to aid spread the MRV message across every corner of the State and Nigeria at large.
“On February 4th, Anambra will kick start the MRV campaign. We need you as Media persons to know what we are doing, the age bracket targeted and why the vaccination is necessary so you will have the right answers to questions directed to you as Media persons,” She said.
The Executive Secretary encouraged the Practitioners to be voices and ears in their corners whilst using their platforms to educate and inform Ndi Anambra and all living in the State on the MRV.
She, then, urged them to reach out to the Agency in areas of uncertainty to ensure the populace has right information at all times.
UNICEF Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) Consultant, Mr Victor James noted that as trusted storytellers and agenda setters, the Media practitioners role was critical in amplifying approved IEC/IC materials, sharing verified key messages, and helping communities receive clear, correct, and confidence-building information.
He encouraged them to actively support the campaign by sharing approved materials across their media platforms and professional networks while using key messages provided to shape reports, programmes, discussions, and content thereby ensuring accuracy, balance, and consistency.
“What we say, how we say it, and when we say it matters. This is not just about visibility, it is about impact, trust, and public good,” the SBC Consultant emphasized.
The Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign is scheduled to commence from February 4th to 15th, 2026 in Anambra State and it targets eligible children aged nine months to 14 years in all Health facilities and designated sites such as schools, churches, mosques, markets, motor parks, and playgrounds, among others.
Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
