Following ongoing health crises and the spread of misinformation, WHO’s Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, has asked journalists to prioritise truth and accuracy in health reporting.
Speaking at a WHO workshop for journalists, tagged “Empowering Journalists to Drive the Change Narrative with Compelling Data-Driven Health Stories,” Mulombo highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting public health.
He stressed that with just 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track, global challenges such as economic downturns, COVID-19, climate change, and humanitarian crises are slowing the progress.
Despite these challenges, Mulombo pointed to collective action, endorsed by the UN, as the key to a better future and urged journalists to counter misinformation, particularly during health crises, with fact-based reporting.
He noted Nigeria’s pivotal role in achieving the SDGs, given its population and global influence, emphasising the country’s impact on worldwide development.
He also reaffirmed the safety of vaccines, stressing the importance of accurate information to prevent misinformation and uphold human rights.
WHO remains committed to working with journalists to promote and achieve sustainable development by 2030.
Be the first to write a comment.