By: Darius N. Karnga – karngedarius27@gmail.com
Grand Bassa County – Dozens of Liberian journalists have converged in the port city of Buchanan for a three-day intensive media training aimed at strengthening the capacity of reporters to cover health-related issues with greater accuracy, depth, and sensitivity.
The training program brings together journalists from print, electronic, and online media institutions across the country.
According to organizers, the initiative is designed to improve the quality of health communication in Liberia, particularly as the nation continues to confront infectious diseases, public health emergencies, and challenges within the healthcare delivery system.
The three-day exercise focuses on health communication, information management, and health security, enabling participants to gain practical knowledge on how to interpret medical data, verify health information, counter misinformation, and communicate complex health concepts to the public in simple and reliable terms.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, facilitators emphasized the vital role journalists play in shaping public health behavior, especially during outbreaks.
They highlighted the need for credible, science-based reporting to ensure communities receive accurate information that can influence life-saving decisions.
Participants are also expected to engage in group discussions, case studies, and hands-on sessions covering topics such as epidemic preparedness, emergency risk communication, ethical health reporting, and collaboration between the media and health institutions.
Many journalists expressed enthusiasm about the training, noting that it will enhance their ability to responsibly cover health crises, hold authorities accountable, and contribute to national health awareness.
The workshop is expected to conclude with the development of a joint action plan aimed at strengthening media–health sector engagement and improving the overall quality of health reporting in Liberia.
