Malawi Officials Urge Media to Accurately Report on Social Protection Programs
The ministry's outreach to journalists aims to improve public perception and program effectiveness through more accurate media coverage.
BLANTYRE, Malawi— Malawi's Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare called on journalists Thursday to accurately report on social protection programs, emphasizing the media's crucial role in program implementation and public understanding, writes Steven Godfrey Mkweteza.
During a day-long orientation meeting in Blantyre for reporters and editors, ministry Secretary Nertha Semphere Mgala stressed the importance of accurate information dissemination to win donor confidence and expand the number of beneficiaries.
"Since the programs started, we have witnessed some mixed perceptions, which has affected the implementation process," Mgala said.
"Journalists have a critical role in changing people's mindsets by disseminating accurate information."
Mgala noted that negative views about the programs, particularly in rural areas, stem from information gaps, illiteracy, political misunderstandings, and cultural beliefs.
The orientation targeted district information officers and private media outlets in the southern region.
Andrew Tembo from Ufulu online publication praised the ministry's initiative, saying it clarified "cumbersome issues" regarding the programs.
However, he expressed concerns about the lack of saving culture among beneficiaries.
"Some beneficiaries are subsistence farmers and invested in houses and livestock, but there's a need to encourage them to join village savings loan groups," Tembo said.
Malawi's social protection programs, run by the government, provide cash support to ultra-poor and labor-constrained households.
The ministry's outreach to journalists aims to improve public perception and program effectiveness through more accurate media coverage.