The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, on Friday advised Nigerians to refrain from stigmatising the survivors of COVID-19.
Mrs Adeola Ekine, Chairperson of the association in the state, made the appeal in a statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Ekine said that Nigerians needed to show love and rejoice with survivors of the Coronavirus and not stigmatise them.
“Survivors of COVID-19, just like any other infectious diseases should not be stigmatised, rather, they should be encouraged and showed love, following what they had gone through while in isolation centers,” she said .
The Chairperson noted that some videos shared by those who have been infected in Lagos State was to confirm to people that Coronavirus was not a death sentence.
She commended the Lagos state Government and the health workers for their dedication, commitments and efforts in containing the virus.
She urged journalists to target children in their news coverage as it was important for them to understand what was obtainable in situations like this because they could also be infected.
“Beyond reporting about the number of deaths and those that have been infected, we need to ensure that our messages about COVID-19 target children so they can be well informed,” she said.
The chairperson reiterated the need for continuous and regular hand washing and social distancing as recommended by health professionals for everyone.
