Assessing the role of the media in the prevention and control of meningitis in Nigeria

Nigeria has high numbers of meningitis cases and related fatalities almost every year. This study explored the role of the media in meningitis campaigns using a documentary method of data gathering and analysis. The research objectives were to determine if the media played a positive role in campaigns against meningitis outbreaks in Nigeria and to determine the major obstacles to media coverage of meningitis outbreaks in Nigeria. The results revealed that the role of the media in Nigeria during meningitis outbreaks is positive and supportive. However, paid advertisements and announcements that support the media in health promotion campaigns were undermined by limited understanding of infectious diseases by politicians and some media sponsors. Therefore, the authors recommend the establishment of a permanent funded media structure charged with the responsibility of grassroots campaigns against meningitis, and the integration of the media into committees formed to combat the disease.