TAMWA -Z Meeting with Stakeholders to Strengthen Journalists’ Role in Reporting SRHR Issues

By Najjat Omar.

A vital meeting was held at the TAMWA office on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, bringing together health experts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and journalists to discuss how journalists can better report on health issues, especially concerning reproductive health.

The meeting, focused on improving health education through media, highlighted the critical role that journalists play in raising awareness on important health matters. Experts shared insights on how journalists can work closely with health professionals to better inform the public on issues such as family planning and safe reproductive practices.

Zawadi Khamis, a nurse from Zanzibar, explained that many young people, particularly girls and boys, suffer from poor health due to the lack of education. She emphasized that social media could be a powerful tool for providing the public with accurate health information.

"Journalists can use their reports to significantly benefit from experts who have knowledge in health education. Social media now offers enough information to help young people understand how to protect their health and grow well," said Zawadi.

Amina Kheri, an official from UNFPA, spoke about the crucial role journalists have in shaping public understanding of health issues. She stressed the importance of journalists in addressing challenges, especially among the youth, and promoting awareness about family planning.

"We want to see journalists actively participating in these efforts because we understand their contribution to creating correct understanding in the community. Journalists can provide vital information that will help address challenges, particularly those facing young people," said Amina.

One of the significant challenges highlighted during the meeting was the difficulty journalists face in accessing accurate health information. Asha Ahmed, a reporter for ZBC, shared her experience of how difficult it is to get cooperation from health service providers, which sometimes prevents accurate reporting.

"There are challenges in reporting on reproductive health issues. First, you must fully understand the topic to report it correctly. But sometimes, health service providers are not willing to cooperate with journalists, making it hard to get the right information,".

Khairat Haji, a project manager focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), explained that the goal of the meeting was to find ways journalists can improve their reporting on reproductive health issues, not just for women but also for men and youth. She stressed the importance of clear and accurate communication to the public.

"We gathered with stakeholders to discuss how journalists can write and report on reproductive health issues better, ensuring that accurate messages reach the community," Haji said. "Our aim is to work together with journalists to ensure that the right information is provided to the public, especially to young people who are in need of accurate health education."

Dr. Ummulkulthum Omar, an expert in women’s reproductive health, highlighted the misconception surrounding family planning, noting that many people do not fully understand its importance due to a lack of education. She urged journalists to take a more active role in spreading correct information on reproductive health.

"Family planning is misunderstood in many communities because of lack of education. Journalists must put more effort into writing and sharing important messages on safe reproductive practices," said Dr. Ummukulthum.

Veteran journalist Khatib Suleiman, who writes for government newspapers, spoke about the lack of coverage for health issues in the media. He explained that health topics often do not receive the attention they deserve, and experts are sometimes reluctant to discuss these issues publicly.

"Health issues are not given enough priority, and experts are not always willing to speak on these matters publicly," Suleima said.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for journalists to become more involved in health reporting and to collaborate with health professionals to improve public awareness. The discussions underscored the importance of accurate, timely, and accessible health information, especially for young people who are particularly vulnerable to health issues.

TAMWA's meeting provided a crucial platform for media professionals and health experts to come together and discuss how the media can play a significant role in advancing public health education and awareness across Zanzibar and beyond.