ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN ERADICATING MATERNAL DEATH AMONG WOMEN
Abstract
This research examined mass media efforts in eradicating maternal death with a case study of women in Ilesha West local government. Maternal death or maternal mortality refers to the death of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Uses and Gratification and Agenda Setting Theory were used to explain the contribution of mass media as related to the media effort in eradicating maternal death. Survey research method was used in which questionnaire is adopted as a primary data collection. 100 respondents were accidentally selected from the five major communities in Ilesa West Local Government namely: Ereja Square, Itakogun, Isokun and Oke-Omiru, Ita-Ofa. Findings show that mass media especially radio and television are playing a very crucial role in reducing maternal death among women by way of regular sensitization and educative programmes, including sensitising women on family planning and prenatal exercise. The research recommends that mass media especially the electronic media should partner with government, NGOs and other international organization like World Health Organization and UNICEF in bringing their activities to the doorstep of the women and concern public because no matter their effort might be if not disseminated appropriately it may not have positive impact on the target people and one of the fasted and easiest way to converge message is through the mass media.
