AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF RADIO STATIONS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST LASSA FEVER

Summary

The study was aimed at finding out aaudience Pperception of the role of broadcast media in the fight against Lassa fever.. The research was carried out using the survey research method. Based on the survey method adopted, the questionnaire was used as an instrument to get response of (100) one hundred respondents on the following research questions;

1. Do radio stations in Edo State have programmes set aside for health issues?
2. What is the level of awareness of broadcast media campaigns against Lassa fever in Edo State?
3. What is the level of audience response to Lassa fever campaigns on broadcast stations in Edo State?
4. Are there any challenges hindering broadcast media campaigns against Lassa Fever in Edo State?

From the responses gathered from the respondents through the questionnaire, the following were the findings of the study:

1. Radio stations in Edo State have programmes set aside for health issues.
2. There is a high level of awareness of broadcast media campaigns against Lassa fever in Edo State.
3. There is low level of response to Lassa fever awareness messages gotten from radio or television stations
4. The low level of response to Lassa fever awareness messages is because messages gotten from radio or television stations are not detailed and persuasive enough.
5. The challenges hindering broadcast media campaigns against Lassa fever in Edo State are lack of finance and sponsorship, nonchalant attitude of media audience, illiteracy, low reach etc.