Merck Foundation recently organized a training for journalists on health issues during its annual conference held in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. This initiative brought together around 100 journalists from over 20 countries in Africa to discuss critical health issues.
During this informative meeting, media professionals had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge on various topics such as infertility prevention, the link between infertility and infectious diseases, male infertility and fertility management options. It is essential to understand that the responsibility for infertility does not rest solely on the shoulders of women, as it can be caused equally by male and female causes. It is crucial to end the stigma surrounding infertility and to promote awareness and access to care for all.
In addition, other important topics were discussed, such as diabetes and hypertension, which are causing an increasing number of deaths in Africa. The advice provided by health experts, including promoting a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, practicing regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and limiting caffeine, are key elements in preventing these chronic diseases.
The journalists present also had the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to the dissemination of quality information on health and society. They emphasized the importance of presenting women not only as victims, but also as role models and leaders in society. This inclusive vision helps to value the diversity of individuals’ experiences and backgrounds, thus promoting a balanced and nuanced representation in the media.
Finally, this conference marked the end of its eleventh edition, also celebrating the 7th anniversary of Merck Foundation’s development programs. Journalists were invited to participate in a competition to highlight their work in promoting health and well-being in Africa.
In short, this training not only enhanced journalists’ health knowledge, but also encouraged a more inclusive and balanced approach in reporting, highlighting the importance of diversity and media engagement in raising awareness of public health issues in Africa.