25 Jul 2024

Media practitioners have been urged to be sensitive when they report on health and social issues. 

The call was made during the health media training by various speakers following the Merck Foundation programmes launch. Merck Foundation is a German establishment that seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology with a special focus on women and the youth in underserved communities. 

Merck Foundation launched its programmes in Botswana in collaboration with First Lady Ms Neo Masisi. Ms Masisi was also launched as the Ambassador of the Merck Foundation’s ‘More than a Mother’. Ms Masisi reminded the media that how they tell their stories matter, and therefore they need to reduce stigma surrounding certain health and social issues when they report. 

She urged the media to encourage males to support their partners, particularly on such health matters such as cervical cancer. 

The Permanent Secretary, Government Communications Ministry of State President, Ms Montlenyane Baaitse also implored the media to exercise sensitivity in their reporting. 

She said the media has the power to shape perceptions, and therefore implored them to produce documentaries and write feature articles which expose stigma and are sensitive to health and social issues. 

The Acting Hospital Superintendent at the Deborah Retief Memorial Hospital, Dr Bobby Kgosiemang, said the mass media provide an important link between the rural residents and vital health information, thereby helping health workers expand their audience reach. 

He said the media play a role in educating the public about health issues and therefore have a responsibility to report accurate health and science information to the public. ENDS