As part of the strategy to dispel numerous myths, misconceptions and disinformation on the use of family planning products and services, an expert has urged journalists and media practitioners to consistently provide the right information needed to prompt improved uptake of services. Adesola Fanimokun who is the Demand Generation at the The Challenge Initiative (TCI), said the media needed to deliberately discharge the responsibility to disseminate consistent and correct information about family planning which may result in behavioural change among clients, prompting more uptake of products and services. Fanimokun spoke during a two-day Capacity Building and Editorial Workshop on Family Planning Intensification for Stakeholders in Lagos State, organised by DEVCOMS with support from TCI which was held at the AHI Residence, Jibowu, Lagos from August 8 to 9.
Among other objectives of the training is to sensitise journalists with the TCI Family Planning Intensification Phase plan and also increase media visibility on family planning reportage. Among resource persons at the workshop are Dr. Latifatu Adeleye, Lagos State family planning manager; State Health Educator at the Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH); Mr Olusegun Isiaih Badejo; Dr.
Mrs Ajoke Sariyu Ashiru, chairman, Interfaith Public Health Advocacy Lagos (IPHAL); Elizabeth Talatu Williams, DNN Media Foundation; among others. According to the demand generation at the TCI, there is a sense of authenticity that people attach to information coming from the media. “So, when you hear someone say I read it in the newspaper and when another says a news agency stated it, there is no medical doctor that can disprove that for some people.
“As far as the news agency/a newspaper has said it, it is authentic. Fanimokun said that is why we are here. We see your work and we hope to see more of your work going forward from here.
” She therefore urged the media to rise up to the responsibility of disseminating the right and correct information on the benefits of using family planning which allows people to attain their desired number of children, if any, and to determine the spacing of their pregnancies. It is achieved through use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of infertility. She stated that beyond providing information, the media is also expected to educate citizens.
“I think a lot of time; the press did not know that beyond information, you do education. Today, we are here because you have access to the hearts of everyone in their comfort zone, in their corners. We are here to deliberate, to discuss, to learn, to unlearn and relearn because there is a possibility that we have and some believe in some myths and misconceptions about our planet as well.
“When you are doing your news mention and your panel discussion, your belief in those myths and misconceptions will come up.” She therefore urged journalists and other media professionals to enrich their knowledge and skills about family planning from the workshop to enable them dispel myths and misconceptions about family planning products and services. The goal, according to her, is to improve the uptake of services.
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