Health officials from various departments have been called upon to cooperate with journalists to enhance health information dissemination to the public.
Speaking in Mombasa, Ms. Lorna Sampele emphasized the importance of this collaboration. She stated that for journalists to effectively inform, educate, and entertain, support from health department leaders is essential.
Ms. Sampele, the program coordinator for the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), introduced the USAWA Project. This initiative aims to foster a harmonious relationship between journalists and health stakeholders.
“When health officials refuse to provide information or verify health-related facts, it complicates journalists’ work,” she explained.
Journalists often encounter obstacles, such as unanswered calls and emails, when seeking vital health information. This lack of support hinders their ability to perform effectively.
“The public relies on journalists for accurate health information,” Sampele stressed. She urged journalists to verify facts before publishing to prevent the spread of misinformation.
The program coordinator highlighted ongoing training under the USAWA Project in five counties: Kakamega, Isiolo, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Nakuru. This training aims to improve journalists’ understanding of health issues and enhance their reporting skills.
“It’s crucial for journalists to fact-check health information and grasp scientific terminology,” she concluded. This approach will help combat misinformation in health reporting and promote public trust.
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