By Emmanuel Gamson
Takoradi, April 28, GNA – The Western Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has organised an orientation workshop to train media practitioners on responsible ways to report on health issues during diseases outbreaks.
The workshop, held in Takoradi, and attended by selected journalists, was to equip participants with best practices to uphold ethical reportage, and counter mis/disinformation during diseases outbreaks.
They were taken through understanding outbreak communication, fact-checking health information, and avoiding sensationalism during public health emergencies among other topics.
Mr Daniel Bomfeh, Western Regional Health Promotion Manager, who facilitated the engagement said the role of the media in shaping public perceptions could not be overstated.
Thus, promoting accurate information and dispelling mis/disinformation was crucial during public health emergencies.
The training was, therefore, designed to equip journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills to report ethically and accurately in times of public health crises, he noted.
He said the type of information journalists put out during disease outbreaks could have effect on response mechanisms by GHS, so media practitioners must always collaborate with health officials to align messages with acceptable guidelines for the desired outcomes.
Mr Bomfeh said: “What you journalists put out in the public domain during health crises go a long way to affect our work, so we encourage you to seek expert opinions on health issues so that we can dispel rumours, myths, panic and stigmatisation in those times.”
Dr Gifty Amugi, Western Regional Deputy Director of Public Health, asked the participants to verify their sources, avoid sensationalism, fact-check information, and prioritise messages that promoted public safety and well-being.
“As journalists, let us be committed to responsible journalism and ensure that our reports contribute to informed decisions among the public, and make communities resilient during diseases outbreaks,” she added.
Participants at the event commended the GHS for the training and pledged to collaborate with health officials to report ethically and accurately on health issues during diseases outbreaks.
GNA
LAA