By Chikondi Basikolo
Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS), Director of Programmes, Prisca Chisala says journalists play a crucial role in disseminating correct information on polio in order to clear misconceptions about the disease and bridge the knowledge gap.
Ministry of Health (MoH) declared polio a public health emergency issue in Malawi as one case was detected on February 17, 2022.
The remarks were made on Friday in Dowa during a media orientation workshop on polio reporting organised by MRCS in collaboration with MoH.
Chisala said as MRCS, their mandate is to be first responders in terms of disasters or health emergencies saying that is why, together with MoH, they decided to engage the media and instill them with knowledge on how polio is spread, how it can be prevented as well as the importance of polio vaccine among others.
“We believe that the media is a powerful tool where information can be spread so fast. At the moment, according to the assessments done on polio indicate that there is a lot of misinformation with some people saying MoH wants to use it as a way to mobilise people to get COVID-19 vaccine,” said Chisala.
Deputy Director of Preventive Health Services responsible for Community Health, Doreen Ali, described the orientation as important saying it will accord journalists standardised information which would help sensitise the general public and feed them with correct information on the dangers of polio.
“As Ministry, we responded immediately and the districts teams are preparing for this response. At Central level, MoH and other partners are on the ground finding ways on how to eradicate the spread of the disease by sensitising people to get their children of 0 to 5 years vaccinated,” said Ali.
The last poliocase in Malawi was reported in 1992.
, Director of Programmes, Prisca Chisala says journalists play a crucial role in disseminating correct information on polio in order to clear misconceptions…){kind=link}