UNICEF has launched the Northeast chapter of a radio platform to encourage professionals in the region to spread awareness on issues related to children and women.The Radio4Child chapter was launched by Assam's Additional Chief Secretary Maninder Singh here on Sunday.

"Radio has the power of reach-it reaches the remotest of regions of Northeast. If key messages are integrated with the popular shows that people tune into, then the information will stay with them."

"I want to take this opportunity to thank UNICEF India for launching this unique platform for radio professionals from the region that will help build their knowledge and capacities on various issues concerning women and children in this region," Singh said.

There has been a steady rise in the immunisation coverage in the NE states over the year but due to the pandemic, there are cases of "zero-dose" children along with challenges in nutrition, he pointed out.

"Zero- dose" children refer to those who missed out on receiving even a single vaccine shot.

Chief of UNICEF NE states Madhulika Jonathan said this is a much-needed chapter in the journey of the Radio4Child platform.

"It will provide all stakeholders working on children's rights in the Northeast, especially the state governments, with a very useful platform to spread mass awareness and address social behavioural challenges", a UNICEF press release quoted her as saying.

Jonathan hoped that radio professionals would also use the platform to work together with UNICEF on issues like ending violence against children, education, sanitation, climate change, and beyond routine immunisation and nutrition.

The chapter was launched on Sunday at the culmination of a capacity-building workshop on nutrition and routine immunisation for over 70 radio professionals.

Radio4Child is a public-private partnership platform that brings together radio announcers, RJs, producers, and programming officers from All India Radio, and community radio across the country, the release said.