Media Engagement Session Highlights Journalists’ Role in Polio Eradication in KP

Media Engagement Session Highlights
Journalists’ Role in Polio Eradication in KP

PESHAWAR:(Special Representative)According to Global times News Agancy Europe,A media engagement session was held today at Serena Hotel, Peshawar, bringing together journalists and key health and polio programme representatives to promote accurate, responsible, and impactful reporting on polio eradication.The session commenced with opening remarks by Additional Secretary Health/ EOC KP Coordinator Ms. Sara Rehman, who highlighted the vital role of journalists in raising public awareness, countering misinformation, and building community trust in polio vaccination.Dr. Sardar Alam presented an overview of the current polio situation, outlining key challenges to eradication and emphasizing the importance of sustained vaccination campaigns and collective action to protect every child against polio.Ms. Shadab Younas delivered a presentation on communication and media, highlighting the importance of effective communication strategies, meaningful media engagement, and accurate messaging in informing communities and strengthening public support for polio eradication.Mr. Jahanuddin discussed Social and Behaviour Change (SBC), focusing on understanding community perceptions, addressing misconceptions, building trust, and encouraging positive behaviours towards polio vaccination.Mr. Zia ul Haq, Vice President of the Peshawar Press Club, shared his views on the importance of media collaboration and journalists’ responsibility to communicate accurate information, counter misinformation, and support polio eradication efforts.During the session, participants also offered prayers for the late Dr. Inuwa Yau, former Team Lead UNICEF, remembering his contributions and expressing their condolences over his passing.The session concluded with closing remarks by Deputy Director EPI Dr. Muhammad Ayaz, who underscored the need for coordinated efforts among journalists, health authorities, and the polio programme to strengthen public awareness and improve communication.The session emphasized that journalists are key partners in the fight against polio. Through accurate, evidence-based, and responsible reporting, the media can highlight the importance of vaccination, address community concerns, counter rumours and misinformation, and encourage parents to ensure that every child receives the recommended polio vaccine doses.A large number of journalists and other participants attended the event, reflecting strong media engagement and a shared commitment to supporting polio eradication in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.From accurate reporting to informed communities, the media can help turn headlines into lifelines and bring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa closer to a polio-free future.