‘Empathy, fact-checking key in health reporting’
ADDRESSING sensitive health issues like infertility requires empathy and sensitivity towards affected individuals or communities, Zimbabwe National Editors Forum director Njabulo Ncube said last week.
Speaking during a health media training session conducted on the sidelines of the 10th edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2023 here, Ncube urged the media to prioritise respecting privacy, avoiding stigmatisation and promoting positive narratives.
“The media can be a creative and honest tool to address sensitive and critical health and social issues by adhering to certain principles, like accurate reporting,” he said.
“Media outlets should strive to provide correct and evidence-based information regarding health and social issues. Fact-checking and verification processes should be implemented to ensure accuracy.”
He discouraged the media from sensationalising stories when writing sensitive health topics.
“Sensationalism and fear-mongering should be avoided. Instead, the media should provide balanced and objective coverage that encourages informed dialogue.”
This, he added, can be done through creation of platforms for open dialogue, debate and discussion on health and social issues.
“By providing space for diverse perspectives, they can promote understanding and collaboration.”
Ncube also emphasised the role of the media in creating education and awareness on social and sensitive health challenges.
“Media outlets can play a crucial role in educating the public about health and social issues. Providing information on prevention, treatment options and available resources can empower individuals to make informed decisions,” he further said.
“The media should be cautious when using visuals related to health and social issues. Graphic images or videos should only be used when necessary, with appropriate warnings and consideration for potential distress caused to viewers.”
He also called for collaboration among journalists, media houses and health experts to ensure that readers get accurate information.
“This collaboration can ensure accurate information, expert opinions and access to reliable sources,” he added.
“Overall, the media has a significant role in shaping public opinion and raising awareness about critical issues.”
Speaking at the same event, mental health specialist Dr Francisca Bwalya, who is also a Merck Foundation alumnus, urged the media to provide “medically accurate” information.
“Public education is instrumental, though it is important that the information is medically accurate and involves a medical professional,” she said.
She bemoaned the lack of detailed information and failure to include medical sources in some stories on infertility.
“The manner in which news media reports has repercussions on how individuals think and feel about infertility, as that can influence public perceptions and reactions,” she said.
Media Council of Kenya training and curriculum development expert Ms Christine Nguku also spoke on the role of the media in raising awareness on social issues. She urged the media to look for pre-existing perceptions, local angles, local news sources and local communication channels when working on sensitive health stories.
The media training was hybrid, with journalists from Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania and Burundi, among other countries, attending either in-person or virtually.