UNICEF, FMOH urge journalists to lead awareness drive against tropical diseases

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Lack of awareness remains one of the biggest reasons communities across Nigeria continue to suffer from Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, disclosed this while speaking at an engagement with journalists and media practitioners in Bauchi.

The meeting was organised by UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board

In a welcome remark, Rafique emphasised that the media plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of infection through timely, accurate, and sustained reporting.

She noted that although progress has been made in states like Gombe and Bauchi, many infections persist because people are unaware of how NTDs spread or how they can protect themselves.

According to her, poverty, poor sanitation, unclean environments, and unsafe water create the perfect conditions for NTDs to thrive.

The UNICEF chief stated that awareness and behavioural change driven by strong media advocacy could transform communities and significantly reduce the burden of NTDs.

“The media is a powerful ally in this fight. You are the eyes, ears, and voice of society.

“You can shape how people think, how they behave, and how they respond to public health risks. Behaviour change is not easy, but the media has the strength and influence to inspire it,” Rafique told the participants.