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PESHAWAR, Jul 25 (APP):The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with UNICEF Friday organized a two-day workshop focused on strengthening the role of media in polio eradication efforts.
The workshop aimed to enhance journalists’ understanding of the polio program, equip them with accurate reporting techniques, counter misinformation, and highlight the media’s pivotal role in supporting vaccination campaigns.
The sessions were jointly chaired by Additional Secretary Health and EOC Coordinator Shafiullah Khan, and President of Peshawar Press Club M. Riaz. Around 25 health reporters from print and electronic media, members of the Peshawar Press Club cabinet, former President Arshad Aziz Malik, representatives from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Health Advisor’s Office, and the KP Information Department participated in the event.
Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other EOC staff were also present.
Speaking at the event, Additional Secretary Shafiullah Khan emphasized that despite the government’s extensive efforts through its administrative machinery, law enforcement, and health workers, polio eradication cannot be achieved without the active support of the media and wider society.
He underlined the media’s ability to influence public perceptions and raise awareness about the importance of polio and routine immunization, urging journalists to continue supporting the national cause of polio eradication.
Dr. Sardar Alam, Provincial Polio Officer at WHO, delivered a technical presentation explaining the origins and types of polio virus, the role of vaccination, and strategies to prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases.
He highlighted community-level trust building and the media’s role in encouraging vaccine acceptance.
UNICEF Communication Officer Shadab Younas guided participants on best practices in health reporting and the importance of technical accuracy when covering polio-related issues.
He encouraged journalists to help influence vaccine-hesitant parents through informed and empathetic storytelling.
Senior journalist Saeed Minhas conducted a session on crafting impactful media content that can help shift public attitudes positively towards immunization and public health.
In his closing remarks, Peshawar Press Club President M. Riaz thanked the EOC and UNICEF for organizing the event and reaffirmed the press club’s commitment to supporting polio eradication efforts.
He noted the strong media presence, including senior journalists and press club leadership, as a sign of solidarity with the cause.
The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, where technical experts addressed various queries from journalists.
Participants also offered suggestions to improve outreach and overcome barriers to vaccination. Certificates and shields were distributed among attendees at the end of the event.