Media Workshop Sheds Light on the Dangers of Illicit Alcohol in Zambia
Journalists gathered at a media training workshop organized by the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol (CAIA) in partnership with the Ministry of Health to tackle the growing issue of illicit alcohol.
The event aimed to equip media professionals with the technical knowledge and resources needed to accurately report on the harmful effects of unregulated alcohol products like ‘junta’ and ‘tujilijili’.
Speaking at the workshop, CAIA Zambia Chairperson Dr. Christopher Kalila highlighted the media’s role in fostering public awareness, saying, “This training is vital to ensure journalists are equipped with facts about illicit alcohol and its impact on community wellbeing.”
The workshop featured expert presentations from notable figures, including Prof. Fastone Goma and Dr. W. Phiri, who outlined the severe health risks posed by unregulated alcohol, which often contains unknown and harmful substances.
Discussions also addressed the economic implications of illicit alcohol, including lost government revenue and its impact on public services like healthcare and education.
Through its multi-sectoral approach, CAIA is mobilizing government agencies, civil society, and the media to combat this pressing issue, emphasizing the importance of collaborative action to protect public health and socio-economic stability.
