Maseru, May 05 — The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has conducted a one-day media training workshop for journalists in Maseru under the theme “Reporting Health Right: Standing with Science.”
Speaking at the event, Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Mats’oanelo Monyobi, said World Health Day calls on people everywhere to stand with science and embrace the power of collaboration in protecting the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet.
Mrs. Monyobi emphasised that in today’s fast-changing world, effective communication is as important as technical expertise.
She noted that media training equips journalists with the skills to communicate complex health issues clearly, responsibly, and persuasively to diverse audiences.
She further highlighted that teamwork remains central to progress in science and health, stressing that no discovery or public health success is achieved in isolation.
She urged journalists to articulate the importance of collaboration, trust, and shared knowledge in improving health outcomes.
Addressing participants, WHO representative Dr. Nuwagira described journalists as frontline health workers whose reporting can either save lives or spread misinformation.
“Facts do not speak for themselves. They need you,” he said, urging journalists to report accurately on critical issues such as viral load suppression in infants and new cervical cancer screening technologies.
Dr. Nuwagira warned that misinformation, particularly around vaccines and cancer, can spread faster than disease and discourage people from seeking care.
He encouraged journalists to verify information with experts, communicate risks responsibly, and remain firm in defending scientific evidence.
Meanwhile, Director of Health Services Dr. Llang Maama called for collective responsibility and global cooperation in addressing health challenges.
She stressed that no country can tackle health threats alone and urged governments and institutions to rely on scientific evidence in decision-making.
Dr. Maama also highlighted the importance of combating misinformation and promoting evidence-based medicine supported by research, innovation, and reliable data.
She further highlighted the link between human, animal, and environmental health, calling for integrated scientific approaches to address pandemics, climate change, and zoonotic diseases.
The training aims to strengthen the capacity of journalists to report accurately on health matters, bridging the gap between science and the public while promoting informed decision-making.
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