IMPORTANCE OF ETHICAL REPORTING

KILELE Health Association, in partnership with Ministry of Health, National Cancer Control Program and National Vaccines and Immunization Program, conducted a comprehensive media literacy training session on cancer awareness for Kenyan journalists on 21^st March 2024.

“We’ve convened this training for journalists recognizing your crucial role in disseminating information about cancer to the public. The objective is to equip you with the skills and knowledge required for ethical reporting, which includes dispelling misconceptions and combating stigma associated with cancer,” emphasized Ms. Benda Kithaka, Executive Director KILELE Health Association.

She added that the training aimed to address the need for collaboration between the press and the cancer healthcare community, in providing reliable information about cancer, ensuring credibility in disseminating health information.

Ms. Benda explained that the initiative was triggered by past utilization of scare tactics in headlines and the misrepresentation of cancer logos in media reporting. These observations, she said, highlighted the widespread inaccuracies in media coverage, emphasizing the potential for stories to be misleading.

WHO’S CERVICAL CANCER ELIMINATION STRATEGY

Experts, including Dr. Mary Wangai, technical lead KILELE Health, provided insights into cervical cancer causes, treatment, and preventive measures. She shed light on the alarming statistics surrounding cervical cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

“Cervical cancer can be eliminated by implementing the 2030 WHO elimination strategy, which includes vaccinating 90% of girls aged 9-14 with the HPV vaccine, screening 70% of women aged 25 and above for cervical cancer and HPV, and ensuring that 90% of those identified with precancerous cells receive treatment”

ROLE OF JOURNALISTS IN DISSEMINATING ACCURATE INFORMATION

Dr. Wangai urged journalists to raise awareness by covering these topics, thereby improving public understanding, advocating for policy changes and ensuring accountability of stakeholders in implementing this strategy. This, she said, would foster transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of resources.

Ms. Kithaka echoed her sentiments and emphasized on the importance of ethical reporting, combating stigma, and increasing accuracy in media coverage. “We need to reflect on our reporting methods and ensure they are sensitive and accurate,” urged Ms. Kithaka.

Ms. Amina Wako, Chief Editor at Eastleigh Voice, engaged with participants into the challenges they face in reporting cancer-related topics, including access to reliable experts as well as updated data and how they could partner with KILELE Health to overcome them.

“We urge KILELE Health to conduct regular training sessions for journalists to educate them about the latest developments in cancer research and treatment, and provide them with resources to access up-to-date data. KILELE could collaborate with research institutions and medical centers to provide journalists with access to experts in the field of cancer research and treatment.”

“It’s crucial for journalists to play a role in dispelling myths and providing accurate information on cancer. This training equips them to do just that,” remarked Ms. Wako.

CALL TO ACTION

Ms. Kithaka made her final remarks by affirming KILELE Health’s commitment to supporting journalists, enabling them to raise awareness, shaping public opinion, and supporting efforts to eliminate cervical cancer.

The training concluded with a commitment to encouraging journalists to prioritize accurate and ethical reporting on cancer-related issues, combating stigma, and advocating for increased investment in cancer treatment and prevention programs

In a call to action, participants were urged to apply their newfound knowledge to advocate for policy change and foster public understanding of cancer, thereby reducing stigma and promoting empathy for those affected by the disease.