DCT, Media Partner to Prevent Waterborne Diseases
DCT partners media to combat cholera with behavior change comms.
Nsanje, Malawi – The Development Communication Trust (DCT) has announced its intention to collaborate closely with the media to effectively disseminate behaviour change messages to communities, aiming to combat waterborne diseases such as cholera, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
The collaboration was announced during an extensive interaction meeting between DCT and media practitioners based in Nsanje on Friday. Prince Mtelera, the Deputy Director for DCT, emphasised the pivotal role of the media in instigating behavioural shifts within communities to address prevailing local challenges.
“The media has the power to reach a wide audience and can be a powerful tool for promoting behaviour change,” said Mtelera.
“We are committed to working with the media to ensure that our messages are heard and understood by communities across Malawi.”
Mtelera urged media practitioners to unite their efforts and explore ways to effectively reach rural communities with impactful messages to facilitate transformative change.
He also highlighted the importance of considering the mental well-being of children who have been affected by waterborne diseases.
“Let us focus on the experiences of children who witnessed their parents or relatives being swept away by floods,” expressed the Deputy Director.
“These children require counselling and support, as their mental health is affected in various ways.”
One of the participants from Nyathepa Community Radio, Precious Kaduwala, expressed her commitment to applying the skills and knowledge acquired during the interaction meeting.
She acknowledged the existing work done by journalists and presenters but emphasized the value of the DCT's training in expanding their impact.
“As journalists and presenters, we venture into different avenues to ensure that our messages bring about change in the society we serve,” Kaduwala stated.
“We are excited to collaborate with the DCT and to use our platforms to promote behaviour change and improve the lives of people in Malawi.”
The collaboration between the DCT and media practitioners is expected to enhance the dissemination of behaviour-change messages and contribute to the prevention of waterborne diseases in the Nsanje region.
By leveraging the power of the media, this partnership aims to create a positive impact on the mindset of communities, ultimately fostering healthier and more resilient societies.