Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Cleopa Mailu, address participants during Health Journalism Symposium organised by the Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board. [Photo: MoH]
The Ministry of Health has called for partnerships between the government and the media in addressing public health issues.
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Cleopa Mailu, said the media has a vital role in collectively shaping how citizens view government decisions and policies.
Speaking during the Health Journalism Symposium organised by the Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board, Mailu said the media provides an important link between the government and the public.
"The media substantial power in setting the agenda is the reason we are here today to engage and share experiences and learn from each other as a building block to develop a sound working relationship tailored to address the needs of public health," said Dr Mailu, Monday.
"Understanding how the media works is important for us to be able to recognize what, when and how to pitch the story that will get the attention of the media and ultimately the attention of the consumer."
He acknowledged that the health industry is facing many changes from the transition into devolution, to the emergence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, like the cholera outbreak and industrial unrest and it's important for health stakeholders get together in a coordinated and informed manner, to guarantee the future.
"In these times of challenge and ongoing transitions happening in various counties the need for a constructive dialogue has never been greater," he said.
The KMPDP chairman, Prof George Magoha urged the media to be fair, impartial, truthful when reporting health issues.
"You can help this country to unite. Let us be partners in presenting what we do and avoid reporting things that divide us," Prof Magoha advised.
The keynote speaker, Prof Trevor Cullen, Associate Dean, Design, Media and Communications, at the Edith Cowan University, Australia, advised journalists to report accurately not to frighten people, but to inform them.