AMWIK calls for collaboration between journalists and health departments

The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) has appealed to leaders overseeing health departments to collaborate with journalists to enhance health reporting.

Lorna Sempele, the program coordinator for AMWIK said such collaboration will ensure that health-related news is accurate, balanced, and effectively communicated to the public.

Through the USAWA project, the association is facilitating better working relationships between journalists and health departments.

The project aims to ease the process for journalists in accessing reliable health information, which is crucial for their reporting.

“Journalists face significant challenges due to a lack of sufficient information from health departments. This scarcity of information hampers their ability to fully perform their duties and deliver comprehensive health news to the public,” Sempele said.

“Our goal with the USAWA Project is to bridge this gap and ensure that journalists have the necessary resources and support to report on health issues effectively.”

In addition to advocating for better access to information, Sempele emphasized the importance of journalists verifying their health information thoroughly before broadcasting.

“It is essential for health information to be balanced and accurate, as it directly impacts the well-being of the community. Journalists must ensure that their reports are based on verified facts to maintain public trust and provide reliable information,” she added.

Also Read: Gedi inscribed as Kenya’s 8th World Heritage Site

Currently, AMWIK in collaboration with the Media Council of Kenya is conducting health reporting training for journalists.

These training sessions are aimed at enhancing journalists’ understanding of health issues and equipping them with the skills needed to report on these matters professionally.

“The association recognizes that well-informed journalists are better positioned to educate the public and promote health awareness effectively,” added Sempele.

Media Council of Kenya Coast region coordinator Maureen Mudi said access to information for journalists is still a challenge especially in counties.

Mudi said many health departments do not want to even share valuable information with journalists whenever asked to.

“Even accessing the health budgets is a challenge. This collaboration should unlock this challenge,” said Mudi

In order to bolster the resources available to journalists, AMWIK is in the process of setting up health news desks in media hubs across several counties, including Isiolo, Kakamega, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Nakuru. These health desks are part of the USAWA Project and will be equipped with essential tools such as cameras, laptops, voice recorders, and other materials necessary for journalists to carry out their work efficiently.

“The establishment of health news desks is a critical step in ensuring that journalists have the tools they need to report on health issues accurately and professionally. These desks will serve as dedicated spaces for health journalism, providing the necessary equipment and support for our reporters,” Sempele explained.

The health news desks are expected to play a pivotal role in improving the quality and reach of health reporting in the regions where the USAWA Project is being implemented. By providing journalists with the resources they need, AMWIK aims to enhance the overall standard of health journalism in Kenya.

AMWIK’s efforts come at a time when accurate health information is more critical than ever. The recent global health challenges have underscored the importance of reliable health communication.

“By fostering collaboration between health departments and journalists, AMWIK hopes to ensure that the public receives timely and accurate health information, which is essential for making informed decisions and promoting public health,” she said.