By Kelvin Obambon
A first of its kind Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) Workshop for media professionals was held on Friday at the Department of Public Health Amphitheatre (UCIDSS), University of Calabar (UNICAL), Cross River State. The workshop aimed to equip journalists and media practitioners with accurate information and tools necessary for equitable reporting on tobacco harm reduction.
Molly Ogbodum, the facilitator and board member of Students for Sensible Drug Policy International, emphasized the uniqueness of the event, noting that “this is the first-of-its-kind workshop in Nigeria and globally within the tobacco harm reduction space, particularly focused on engaging journalists.”
A toolkit which provided media professionals with a comprehensive and detailed information about tobacco harm reduction, safer nicotine products, ethical reporting standards, and engagement strategies with smokers was launched at the workshop. The toolkit also included scientific facts, myths, and evidence to support accurate and responsible reporting.
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Ogbodum highlighted the organization’s people-centered advocacy approach, treating drug use as a public health issue rather than a social stigma. This approach, according to her, “prioritizes the rights of people who use drugs and fosters decriminalization and harm reduction strategies to improve public health outcomes.”
The workshop was however not directly organized by Students for Sensible Drug Policy but was led by Ogbodum with support from Knowledge Action Change (KAC), a UK-based public health organization, through the Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholars Programme. KAC is known for its work funding and supporting initiatives that promote tobacco harm reduction globally.
“This initiative represents a significant step towards reducing misinformation and enhancing responsible media coverage on tobacco harm reduction in Nigeria, aiming to promote public health and human rights-focused narratives in the country’s fight against tobacco-related harm.
“The event signals a hopeful future for more informed and balanced dialogue around tobacco use and harm reduction strategies in Nigerian media,” the facilitator stated.
The workshop featured interactive session, as questions and answers were entertained.
