By Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor, GNA
Accra, Nov. 06, GNA — Journalists have been urged to use their media platforms to champion Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) through evidence-based, solution-oriented and human-interest reporting.
Dr Doris Amarteifio, Programme Manager for Family Planning at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), said the media had a critical role to play in addressing challenges such as teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, HIV and sexual and gender-based violence.
Dr Amarteifio said consistent and strategic media advocacy, particularly in rural communities, could help draw attention to gaps in SRHR services, influence policy action and strengthen public awareness.
She was speaking at a one-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Media and Communication Advocacy Network (MCAN), with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The workshop aimed to strengthen members’ understanding of the UNFPA Country Programme and equip them with practical skills in human-interest story development and digital communication.
It also sought to build a stronger and more responsive media network capable of documenting and communicating positive changes taking place in communities through development interventions.
Dr Amarteifio urged journalists to track the human impact of development programmes, particularly interventions aimed at increasing modern contraceptive use and access to skilled birth attendance.
She encouraged them to draw public attention to measurable health outcomes, including efforts to reduce maternal mortality, prevent teenage pregnancies and improve access to family planning services.
Madam Adjoa Yenyi, Programme Specialist for Adolescent and Youth Development at the UNFPA Ghana Country Office, said journalists should go beyond reporting individual incidents and serve as a bridge between reproductive health policies and public understanding.
“By doing so, the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public dialogue, dismantling structural taboos, and holding institutions accountable,” she stated.
She urged journalists to collaborate with health communication experts to improve public knowledge and understanding of SRHR, particularly in rural communities.
Reverend Aku Xornam Adzraku-Kevi, Executive Director of the Purim African Youth Development Platform (PAYDP), called on journalists to use their profession to promote positive masculinity and positive feminism.
He said such efforts would encourage young people to pursue education and self-actualisation.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor, GNA
Email: [email protected]