The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Lagos State Chapter, has advised Nigerians to refrain from stigmatising survivors of COVID-19.
Chairperson of the Association, Comrade Adeola Ekine, who made the appeal in a press statement issued in Lagos on Thursday, said Nigerians need to show love and rejoice with survivors of COVID-19 instead of stigmatising them.
“Survivors of COVID-19, just like any other infectious diseases should not be stigmatised, rather, they should be embraced with love and affection following what they had gone through while in isolation centres”, Ekine stated.
She recalled that some videos were shared by survivors of the disease in Lagos to prove that Coronavirus is not a death sentence but residents must observe all preventive measures like social distancing, staying at home and regular hand-washing with soap and running water.
While pleading that survivors should not be treated as lepers, Ekine commended the Lagos State government and health workers for their dedication, commitment and efforts towards limiting the spread of COVID-19.
She urged journalists to include children in their news coverage for proper education and enlightenment, stressing that it is important to make them understand that the Coronavirus disease is not restricted to adults.
“Beyond reporting about the number of deaths and those that have been infected, we need to ensure that our news and information about COVID-19 targets children as well, so that they can be well informed”, Ekine advised.
AE/TMS/OS
