Media trained on universal health coverage reporting
The health and social services ministry in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), held a three-day media training workshop aimed at enhancing journalists' understanding of universal health coverage (UHC) and their role in health reporting.
The workshop, which took place in Swakopmund from 9 to 11 September, was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the ministry and media houses to ensure accurate reporting and timely dissemination of health information.
Johanna Nambahu, WHO representative, said a "country achieves universal health coverage when its entire population has access to essential health services promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation without financial hardship."
She emphasised Namibia’s ongoing efforts to develop a UHC policy, noting the importance of coordinating health systems and improving health information dissemination.
Closer to community
Health ministry deputy director of policy and planning, Ambrosius Uakurama, said: "There has been a lot of misinformation in terms of either the understanding of what UHC is or universal health coverage in general. As a result, we saw it fit to make this difference through the media, which is actually much closer to the community."
The workshop educated media professionals about the principles of UHC, including quality, equity, financial protection and resilience.
Participants were guided on how to simplify complex UHC topics for better media communication. Journalists were equipped with tools to report on UHC and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on improving their understanding of health data, patient rights and government accountability.
Communication hurdles
Another key objective was to foster stronger collaboration between media outlets and the ministry to enhance media coverage during health emergencies and advocacy efforts.
This sparked a conversation where journalists shared frustrations regarding the lack of clear communication channels between the ministry and the media.
A general concern was that the ministry’s responses to queries were often delayed or insufficient, which hinders the ability to provide timely and accurate information to the public.
Media ombudsman John Nakuta echoed the need for improved collaboration and clarity in health information.
“The workshop is crucial in addressing gaps in health information dissemination. It will help media professionals report more accurately and effectively on health issues,” he said.
Media participants found the workshop to be insightful and engaging.
Chelva Wells, a journalist with the Namibia Press Agency, said: “Attending this workshop was an eye-opener regarding universal health coverage. The training provided a comprehensive context, particularly for Namibia. It underscored the significant responsibility we have as journalists to deliver accurate information and help the public understand the implications of UHC.”
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The workshop, which took place in Swakopmund from 9 to 11 September, was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the ministry and media houses to ensure accurate reporting and timely dissemination of health information.
Johanna Nambahu, WHO representative, said a "country achieves universal health coverage when its entire population has access to essential health services promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation without financial hardship."
She emphasised Namibia’s ongoing efforts to develop a UHC policy, noting the importance of coordinating health systems and improving health information dissemination.
Closer to community
Health ministry deputy director of policy and planning, Ambrosius Uakurama, said: "There has been a lot of misinformation in terms of either the understanding of what UHC is or universal health coverage in general. As a result, we saw it fit to make this difference through the media, which is actually much closer to the community."
The workshop educated media professionals about the principles of UHC, including quality, equity, financial protection and resilience.
Participants were guided on how to simplify complex UHC topics for better media communication. Journalists were equipped with tools to report on UHC and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on improving their understanding of health data, patient rights and government accountability.
Communication hurdles
Another key objective was to foster stronger collaboration between media outlets and the ministry to enhance media coverage during health emergencies and advocacy efforts.
This sparked a conversation where journalists shared frustrations regarding the lack of clear communication channels between the ministry and the media.
A general concern was that the ministry’s responses to queries were often delayed or insufficient, which hinders the ability to provide timely and accurate information to the public.
Media ombudsman John Nakuta echoed the need for improved collaboration and clarity in health information.
“The workshop is crucial in addressing gaps in health information dissemination. It will help media professionals report more accurately and effectively on health issues,” he said.
Media participants found the workshop to be insightful and engaging.
Chelva Wells, a journalist with the Namibia Press Agency, said: “Attending this workshop was an eye-opener regarding universal health coverage. The training provided a comprehensive context, particularly for Namibia. It underscored the significant responsibility we have as journalists to deliver accurate information and help the public understand the implications of UHC.”
[email protected]
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