MoH Emphasizes Media’s Role in Advancing Universal Health Coverage
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has highlighted the critical role of the media in accelerating progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking at the official opening of a two-day Community Health Media Engagement Meeting in Kabwe, MoH Spokesperson Kalangwa Kalangwa underscored the importance of journalists in providing accurate and factual health-related information to the public.
Dr. Kalangwa emphasized that journalists are key stakeholders whose role includes disseminating policy guidelines and ensuring effective communication on community health programs.
The event, organized in collaboration with UNICEF, aims to equip media professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills for reporting on community health issues.
“The Ministry recognizes the media as a critical partner in connecting health initiatives to the community,” Dr. Kalangwa stated. “An informed media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the Ministry of Health and the public.”
In addition to policy guidelines, the workshop seeks to enhance journalists’ capacity in planning, monitoring, evaluating, and implementing community health programs.
This capacity-building initiative is expected to improve the quality and effectiveness of health reporting across various media platforms in Zambia.
Meanwhile, Dave Chipande, Area Councilor for Justine Kabwe Ward, expressed concern over the media’s limited presence in community council meetings and called for increased coverage.
He emphasized the media’s pivotal role in disseminating key messages and fostering community engagement.
“The media are crucial players in communicating essential messages to the masses,” Mr. Chipande remarked, urging for greater media involvement in local governance and health issues.
The workshop aims to empower journalists from diverse media houses with foundational knowledge on Community Health, enabling them to contribute effectively to public awareness and understanding of health issues.
