Fact about COVID-19: Why journalists should increase efforts in teaching communities  

By Elias Hakizimana.

Activists and healthcare providers urge Journalists to approach the health experts from Ministry of health, and Rwanda Biomedical Center who have the clear story angle in order to get factual information on COVID-19 vaccine or other health sector related topics.

The call was made on Tuesday 4th May 2021 during a media workshop organized by Rwanda Journalists for Sustainable Development on misinformation on COVID-19 vaccine.

The workshop was organized in recognition of World Press Freedom Day – Information as public good. Ministry of Health has used different media channels including social media to disseminate information about COVID-19 vaccine. However, there is a need of enough accurate information about that vaccine. This requires the responsible media which work professionally in disseminating accurate information to the public.

During the working journalists were encouraged to produce the quality content on COVID-19 vaccine to help the public to prevent from misinformation about that vaccine.

Mr.Julien NIYINGABIRA Spokesperson of Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) said that journalists should approach the health experts from Ministry of health, and Rwanda Biomedical Center having the clear story angle in order to get factual information on COVID-19 vaccine or other health sector related topics.

EU Ambassador to Rwanda, Hon. Nicola BELLOMO remarked that the health crisis has shed light on the vital role played by free and independent media worldwide. News media output, both traditional and digital, remains a powerful source of information that people access.

Mr. Ildephonse SINABUBARIRAGA, representative of Rwanda Community Radio Network (RCRN) said that there was a spread of COVID-19 all over the world because the health experts did not have accurate information early.

Therefore, the rumors were more considered than the right information on COVID-19. Journalists took initiatives to disseminate accurate information to the public.

Mr. Albert MUTESA, Secretary General of Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO said that partnership between media and other institution will play a great role in promoting media professionalism.