The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) will partner with like-minded organisations to promote health reporting in Kenya.
MCK CEO Mr David Omwoyo has affirmed the Council’s commitment to high journalism standards in line with its mandate of ensuring high professional standards in the practice of journalism in Kenya.
He spoke at the 48th Kenya Medical Association (KMA) Annual Scientific Conference in Kisii where the two organisations unveiled plans for a partnership to promote professional health reporting.
“It is critical for journalists and digital content creators to be able to access factual data and information from the medical institutions and health practitioners. As the media regulator in Kenya, the Media Council of Kenya remains steadfast in ensuring professional reporting of health matters, guided by the expected ethical standards,” he said.
Mr Omwoyo called upon medical practitioners to support objective and quality health reporting by providing adequate and accurate information to journalists whenever requested. This, he added, will assist in addressing misinformation and fake content with regards to health.
Mr Omwoyo added that the anticipated Memorandum of Understanding with KMA will enhance health reporting by training journalists and linking medical personnel with the media to aid constant engagements on health matters.
“The Council is working with media training institutions and the industry to align training through short, targeted and flexible courses that complement institutional curricula on health reporting. Further, and to show our commitment to enhancing health reporting, the Council holds the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA) where health category ranks among the most competitive, said Mr Omwoyo.
The Media Council of Kenya was among the key sponsors of the four-day conference and exhibition that brought together medical practitioners and medical technology service providers.
The Council showcased its work as Kenya’s media regulator, sensitising participants on its mandate as well as the contributions it has made on health reporting especially on the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Chief guest at the event, Ms Maureen Mbaka, Chief Administrative Secretary, Ministry of ICT, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, applauded MCK for its efforts towards improving reporting of health matters.
She called for enhanced collaborations between the media and players in the health sector, adding that objective reporting is key in debunking myths around health issues.
Mr Omwoyo led a panel discussion on media, health and law. The discussions were geared towards highlighting stories of public interest and the entire health ecosystem. The panel composed of Hon Dr James Nyikal, MP Seme Constituency, Dr Davji Atellah, National Secretary General of Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist Union (KMPDU) and KMA President, Dr. Were Onyino among other keynote panelists.
Dr Nyikal noted the critical role of the media in endorsing health as a profession.
“It is important that the media communicates clearly to the public, given the sensitivity of health matters. Broadly, the media has a big role in shaping health as a profession,” said Dr James Nyikal, former KMA chair.
Dr Were said the partnership with MCK will develop guidelines on how medical information should be disseminated to the public to ensure responsible reporting.
The Council also hosted a policy dinner for the medical practitioners and journalists and a meeting with Kisii-based journalists on the sidelines of the conference.