Purnea (Chandan Singh, Page 3 News Worldwide): A divisional media workshop focusing on “Emerging Adolescent Health Challenges – Cervical Cancer” was held today in Purnea, organised by UNICEF Bihar in collaboration with the Government of Bihar. The event brought together journalists from the Purnea, Katihar, Araria, and Kishanganj districts, aiming to strengthen local media’s capacity to report on the critical issue of cervical cancer and adolescent health.
Dr. P.K. Kanaujia, Regional Additional Director of Health, Govt. of Bihar, opened the session, stressing that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women but is largely preventable through HPV vaccination, screening, and early detection. He highlighted the media’s role in spreading awareness about these preventive measures.
UNICEF Bihar’s Dr. Pooja, Communication Specialist, highlighted the importance of clear and accurate information in empowering families to make informed health choices. She emphasized the media’s leadership role in guiding public opinion, as seen in previous health campaigns like polio vaccination and COVID-19 awareness.
Dr. Anshuman, Health Officer, UNICEF Bihar, provided a technical overview of cervical cancer, explaining that it is caused by the HPV virus, which is preventable through vaccination. Despite its preventability, India saw over 79,000 new cases of cervical cancer in 2022.
The workshop also included sessions on the role of media in public health, media ethics, and the use of the Media Reporting Toolkit. Journalists participated in group activities to brainstorm local story ideas and strategies.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Md Quaiser Iqubal, Regional Programme Manager, NHM, who praised the media’s role in health advocacy and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting journalists in Bihar.
