By Mohamed K. Turay
Health Alert Sierra Leone last Friday trained over 20 journalists at a workshop held at No. 14 Liverpool Street in Freetown on the theme: “Role of the Media on Health Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response.
The essence of the training, according to Health Alert’s Executive Director Victor Lansana Koroma, was to capacitate journalists to report professionally on issues that undermine progress in the health sector, as “the country is currently facing low budget on health”.
Victor Lansana Koroma also said that the training was also held to build partnership, especially on the importance of the recently launched National Public Health Agency (NPHA). He stated that journalists should be seen participating actively in making sure that domestic revenue mobilization was prioritized in meeting health needs.
The Health Alert Executive Director also informed journalists that the training was also aimed at capacitating them on health reporting, especially so when Sierra Leone’s agenda was to push for health security. He noted that journalists should endeavour to pass on vital messages, especially when an outbreak occurred.
During the training the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of African Health Budget Network (AHBN), based in Abuja, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba who spoke virtually explained to journalists the importance of building effective collaboration and partnership between Civil Society and the media on advocacy and health reporting.
Dr Garba added that his organization was seeking to promote budget transparency and accountability for health in the entire Africa. He, therefore, encouraged journalists to help promote the vision of the ordinary man and woman in Africa.
The Executive Director of WASNET, Musa Ansumana Soko, also made a presentation, during the training, on the key challenges for journalists on public perceptions and behaviours during health crises. He also spoke about the tools and resources which the media could use in disseminating health messages.
On his part, Kemoh Cham, who represented the president of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), stated that journalists should maintain accuracy and balance in health security reporting. He also highlighted some ethical considerations for journalists when reporting on sensitive health security issues.
A presentation was also done by Patrick Lansana, the Risk Communications Officer at the newly established National Public Health Agency (NPHA). He stressed on the role of the NPHA and the significance of health security emergency pandemic preparedness and response.