Albania engages with journalists for accurate reporting on COVID-19
Representatives of WHO/Europe and Albania’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MHSP) briefed a group of more than 20 local journalists on the benefits of vaccinating against COVID-19 and influenza. This is part of an ongoing interactive training programme, produced by WHO/Europe and the MHSP, which commits to improving the quality of health reporting and health literacy across the media.
MHSP adviser, Etiola Kola, confirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the media, saying: “We are happy to take this process further, both in terms of knowledge and transparency, with the support of WHO”.
WHO representative in Albania, Dr Bettina Menne explained: “Our goal is to help journalists build an insightful understanding of key health topics. We aim to create an Albanian Network of Health Reporters, as a permanent structure closely enjoying the support of WHO and working towards improving the quality of news provided to the public”.
A critical role for the media
The media is a key stakeholder with a critical role to play in ensuring the timely and accurate communication of information to the public. The COVID-19 pandemic has featured an overflow of misinformation, including on the issue of vaccines, and left some people struggling to identify trustworthy sources of news and guidance.
Speaking to journalists, Dr Siddhartha Datta from WHO/Europe and Dr Silvia Bino from the Albanian Institute of Public Health used the opportunity to elaborate on why we need a vaccine against COVID-19, as well as the range of products currently in trials. They went on to explain the mechanisms in place for the development and deployment of vaccines and the role of WHO in this process. Dr Bino also noted the expertise of Albania’s specialized institutions.
Dr Menne expressed hope that the dialogue would prove fruitful for both the health system institutions and for the media itself. Attendance was supported by the Albanian Association of European Journalists and a follow-up session aims to address issues raised by participating journalists.
The next training session is planned to be on COVID-19 myths and stigma.
