In a concerted effort to combat health misinformation, fellows of the Niger State Health Misinformation Management Fellowship, under the Nigeria Health Watch (NHW), held a sensitisation campaign in collaboration with various partners.
Led by state team leader Mr. Daniel Atori, the fellows and partner organisations braved the early morning rain on Monday to gather at the Obasanjo Shopping Complex Roundabout in Minna. They embarked on a road walk through the city centre, culminating at the Late Sen. Dahiru Awaisu Kuta Primary Healthcare facility in the Commissioners' Quarters area.
At the healthcare facility, the team engaged with women attending antenatal care (ANC) and other individuals seeking healthcare services. Mr. Atori emphasised the severe consequences of health misinformation on individuals, society, and the nation. He urged the public to seek health information from credible sources and verify any information, especially from social media, before sharing.
Speakers at the event included the state health educator representing the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, the state director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the state director of information services, and representatives from the ministries of secondary and tertiary healthcare, women affairs, and social development. They all encouraged the public to avoid self-medication and seek professional health advice.
The speakers also addressed misconceptions about government health intervention programs, particularly immunisation activities, assuring that all vaccines undergo rigorous testing and are safe.
The event featured dancing and chanting slogans such as "Health is Wealth," "Verify before you share," and "Don't share if you are not sure." The team also distributed insecticide-treated mosquito nets to women attending ANC at the healthcare facility.