By: Peter Agengre
The Executive Secretary of the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN), Dr. Charity Binka, has emphasized the crucial role of the media in safeguarding public health, noting that, “when the media is well in-formed, the public is well-protected. Journalists, hold tremendous power, the power to inform, educate, and influence public perception.”
She made this statement in Accra during a two-day training workshop aimed at promoting vaccine confidence among journalists and media practitioners across the country.
The workshop, organized by the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and AMMREN, brought together selected journalists from print, broadcast, and online platforms to enhance their understanding of vaccines, immunization, and public health communication.
The training forms part of efforts to strengthen accurate health reporting and combat misinformation surrounding vaccines, especially in the wake of emerging health challenges.
Dr. Binka explained that the media plays a vital role in shaping public perception and influencing health-seeking behaviors. She urged journalists to verify facts, use credible sources, and communicate scientific information in ways that are simple and relatable to the general public.
According to her, “vaccine hesitancy remains a concern in some communities, largely due to misinformation and lack of awareness.” She therefore called on the media to serve as reliable partners to health authorities in promoting trust and transparency in vaccination campaigns.
Participants at the workshop expressed appreciation to NVI and its collaborators for the initiative, noting that the training has deepened their knowledge on health reporting and strengthened their commitment to responsible journalism.
