Health Ministry Trains Northern Journalists on Emerging Disease Outbreaks
The initiative underscores journalists' crucial role in disseminating health information to the public, potentially influencing behaviour to prevent disease outbreaks.
MZUZU, Malawi— The Ministry of Health, in partnership with Nyika Media Club, has empowered journalists in northern Malawi to become agents of behavioural change through accurate reporting on emerging health issues, writes Rabecca Kaunda.
Ministry spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe emphasized the importance of engaging journalists in health updates during an orientation in Mzuzu on Friday, September 27, 2024.
"We want to move together with journalists, as media colleagues can disseminate information to their various platforms with the right information, including signs, symptoms, and prevention measures for outbreaks," Chikumbe said.
The ministry aims to update the nation on cholera, measles, and Mpox preparedness.
Chikumbe reported that 44 suspected Mpox cases have been tested, all returning negative results.
Feston Malekezo, chairperson of Nyika Media Club, stressed the importance of having timely, accurate information about health emergencies.
"It is essential to have information at hand concerning health emergency cases, which will influence the promotion of positive behaviour for disease prevention," Malekezo said.
The initiative underscores journalists' crucial role in disseminating health information to the public, potentially influencing behaviour to prevent disease outbreaks.