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   By Uzo Ugwunze

 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, will partner Malaria Eradication and Safe Health Initiative, MESHI, to promote sexual and reproductive health rights and communicable diseases, SRHR/CD, in Anambra State and among university students.

Chairman of the NUJ Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, announced this during an advocacy visit by a delegation from MESHI led by Executive Director of MESHI, Prof. Dennis Aribodor.

According to Comrade Odogwu, NUJ Anambra State Council has 20 chapels including members of the UNIZIK FM chaple where the team was received. He reminded that the media is powerful and can make or mar an event or organization's reputation.

He reassured the support of NUJ Anambra State Council under his watch, to ensure MESHI achieves set on SRHR/CD goals as well as efforts at eradicating malaria and safe health.

Earlier, the Executive Director of MESHI, Prof Dennis Aribodor asserted that the role of the media is critical to the success of the project by amplifying accurate information, raising awareness, and shaping public perception.

Prof Aribodor informed that media professionals can help drive increased utilization of life-saving health services and promote positive health outcomes across communities.

Also contributing, the Programme Manager of MESHI, Chioma Nnagbogu, called on media practitioners to partner in disseminating key messages on sexual and reproductive health rights, combating stigma and discrimination, and supporting advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening the healthcare system in Anambra State.

The Chairman, UNIZIK Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Chika Nnabuife PhD, expressed gratitude with the advocacy by MESHI and assured the delegation that NUJ Anambra State Council shall be of greater help in propagating the message of MESHI to not only the general public but to youths in Tertairy Institutions via UNIZIK Chapel of the NUJ.

The SRHR/CD Project aims to improve awareness, demand, and utilization of essential health services such as family planning, cervical cancer prevention (including HPV vaccination), prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV services, and response to gender-based violence (GBV).

A key component of the project is strengthening referral systems to ensure that clients receive timely and appropriate care across different levels of the healthcare system.MESHI, as a community-based implementing partner, is working closely with state and local government health authorities, healthcare workers, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community stakeholders to promote service integration and ensure that no one is left behind—particularly women, young people, and other vulnerable populations.