Health Ministry, Media Partner for Reliable Crisis Reporting
The partnership between the health authorities and media representatives underscores the pivotal role of reliable information in combating health crises effectively.
MZUZU, Malawi— The Ministry of Health (MOH), through its Health Promotion Division and the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), has partnered with the Nyika Media Club (NMC) to ensure accurate reporting and community sensitization during disease outbreaks, write Tionge Hara and Rabecca Kaunda.
On Friday in Mzuzu, northern region journalists received training on cholera, conjunctivitis, measles, rubella, and issues related to the Hospital Ombudsman in this groundbreaking initiative.
"As the ministry, we believe media platforms are more trusted by the masses. The information equipped to them will help both of us work on the same platform when disseminating messages," said Senior Health Promotion Officer Alvin Chidothi Phiri.
Phiri emphasized updating journalists on current interventions to provide accurate messaging without misleading affected communities.
He also stressed following preventive measures against the ongoing conjunctivitis outbreak.
The collaboration aims to combat misinformation, empower the public with reliable updates, and strengthen the nation's response to health emergencies and outbreaks.
Adams Undaninge of Zodiak Radio in Karonga thanked the ministry for the training to produce well-informed stories.
"We speak for the voiceless. Whatever we write or report is what people get, so let's always ask relevant authorities where we don't understand rather than misleading people," he said.
Meanwhile, NMC Chairperson Feston Malekezo urged fellow journalists to disseminate only accurate and verified information to help communities prevent emergency issues through their outlets.
The partnership underscores the pivotal role of reliable information in combating health crises effectively.