The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has emphasised the critical role of the media in the fight against malaria, particularly in advocacy, information dissemination, and public sensitisation.

Recognising the media as a key stakeholder, the GHS, through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), has been actively engaging journalists to keep them updated and well-informed about malaria control and elimination activities.

Over the years, the NMEP has maintained a robust relationship with the media by organising press briefings, issuing press releases, and conducting training workshops and meetings. These initiatives aim to enhance the knowledge and capacity of journalists, enabling them to report accurately and effectively on malaria-related issues.

As part of these continuous efforts, the NMEP has organised a two-day residential capacity-building training workshop for selected journalists.

This workshop aims to deepen journalists' understanding of malaria control and elimination strategies, improve their reporting skills on health issues, and foster a more informed public discourse on malaria prevention and treatment.

The training workshop, scheduled to take place from June 25 to June 26, 2024, will cover a range of topics including the latest malaria statistics, current challenges in malaria elimination, effective communication strategies for health reporting, and the role of the media in public health advocacy.

Experienced health professionals and media experts will lead the sessions, providing participants with comprehensive insights and practical knowledge.

Dr Franklyn Asiedu-Bekoe of the Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and behaviour.

By empowering journalists with the right information and skills, we can ensure that accurate and timely information about malaria prevention and treatment reaches every corner of the country. This is essential for achieving our goal of malaria elimination."

The NMEP's collaboration with the media has already yielded significant results, with increased public awareness and improved reporting on malaria issues.

The workshop is expected to further strengthen this partnership, ensuring that journalists are well-equipped to contribute effectively to the national malaria elimination agenda.

Participants of the workshop include journalists from various media houses across the country, selected based on their interests and previous engagements in health reporting. The training also allows journalists to network with health professionals and fellow reporters, fostering a community of informed and committed advocates for malaria elimination.

As Ghana continues to make strides in its fight against malaria, the GHS and NMEP remain committed to leveraging the power of the media to achieve a malaria-free nation.

Through ongoing collaboration and capacity-building efforts, they aim to create a well-informed public that actively participates in and supports malaria elimination initiatives.