Malawi Media Groups Receive Support for Mental Health, Election Coverage
The event underscores continued efforts to strengthen media capacity, public information dissemination, and mental health awareness in Malawi.
SALIMA, Malawi— The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) and British High Commission pledged continued support for media practitioners, focusing on mental health awareness and responsible election reporting at the Bwaila Media Club's Annual General Meeting, writes Esther Banda.
MRCS Secretary General Chifundo Kalulu emphasized the media's strategic importance in nationwide information dissemination.
"We believe that the media is a very strategic partner because the message that they bring goes across the country including the most hard reach areas," Kalulu said.
"So disseminating the right information is very essential in terms of providing relevant information for them to act accordingly."
Benson Linje, Communications Manager for the British High Commission, assured continued support for local journalists.
"Not only issues of elections but also climate change and also issues that are happening because they are trusted voices at that level," Linje said.
The meeting, held at Lakeside Hotel from November 29 to December 1, 2024, brought together media professionals from Malawi's Central Region.
Felix Washon, Chairperson of Bwaila Media Club and Spokesperson for MRCS expressed gratitude to partners and committed to expanding media outreach.
"We pledge to do more so that we can reach out to more communities with different messages so that together we can save the nation, especially on the issue to do with mental health," Washon explained.
Key partners, including Salima Sugar Corporation Limited, MRCS, and the British High Commission, were acknowledged for their ongoing support to local media practitioners.
Linje specifically urged media members to play a critical role in capacity building and monitoring press freedom issues ahead of the 2025 Tripartite Elections, ensuring effective and responsible reporting.
The event underscores continued efforts to strengthen media capacity, public information dissemination, and mental health awareness in Malawi.