GHS emphasizes crucial role of journalism in health emergencies
Health

GHS emphasizes crucial role of journalism in health emergencies

Ghana Health Service’s National Coordinator for Community Engagement and Health Promotion, Joel Abekuliya, has emphasized the crucial role of responsible journalism in reporting health emergencies and risk communication. “Today, we’re gathered to reiterate the importance of responsible journalism, especially in the face of rapidly spreading diseases,” Abekuliya began. “As one of the pillars of risk communication during health emergencies, journalists play a vital role in shaping public perception and action.” Abekuliya highlighted the need for journalists to write responsibly, producing stories that benefit the public and promote health equality. “In this technological era, we must leverage digital tools to fact-check online content and ensure credibility.” He stressed that journalists must prioritize verifying information from trusted sources, enabling the public to make informed decisions about their health. Abekuliya acknowledged the media’s significant contributions to promoting protective measures and combating health challenges. “We recognize the media’s power in shaping public opinion and influencing behavior.” However, he also cautioned against the risks of misinformation. “Sometimes, false information spreads quickly, and we must work together to correct it.” To address these challenges, Abekuliya emphasized the importance of collaboration between health officials and journalists. “By working together, we can identify solutions and promote accurate, timely information.” In conclusion, Abekuliya expressed optimism about the potential for responsible journalism to drive positive change. “Together, let’s strive for successful health communication that benefits all Ghanaians.” Through this call to action, Abekuliya reaffirmed the Ghana Health Service’s commitment to partnering with journalists to promote public health and well-being. However, the engagement which the participation of Journalists from Upper East, Upper West, North East and Northern Region also witnessed the present of Health Promotion Officers of these regions in attendance and officials from WHO. The training workshop was supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Contact: +233248250270/+233256336062 for your publications

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End of COVID-19 pandemic in sight – WHO chief
Health, Opinion

End of COVID-19 pandemic in sight – WHO chief

The world has never been in a better position to end the Covid-19 pandemic, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday, urging nations to keep up their efforts against the virus that has killed over six million people. “We are not there yet. But the end is in sight,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters at a virtual press conference. The comment was the most optimistic from the UN agency since it declared Covid-19 an international emergency and started describing the virus as a pandemic in March 2020. The virus, which emerged in China in late 2019, has killed nearly 6.5 million people and infected 606 million, roiling global economies and overwhelming healthcare systems. The rollout of vaccines and therapies have helped to stem the severity of disease. Deaths from Covid-19 last week were the lowest since March 2020, the U.N. agency reported. Still, countries need to take a hard look at their policies and strengthen them for Covid-19 and future viruses, Tedros said. He also urged nations to vaccinate 100% of their high-risk groups and keep testing for the virus.The WHO warned of the possibility of future waves of the virus and said countries need to maintain adequate supplies of medical equipment and healthcare workers. “We expect there to be future waves of infections, potentially at different time points throughout the world caused by different subvariants of Omicron or even different variants of concern,” said WHO senior epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove is. Monkeypox cases, too, were on a downtrend but Tedros urged countries to keep up the fight. WHO officials said last month that it is possible to eliminate the monkeypox outbreak in Europe by stepping up vaccination and testing. “As with Covid-19, this is not the time to relax or let down our guard.” —Rauter—

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Netherlands suspends use of AstraZeneca vaccine over life threatening effects
Opinion

Netherlands suspends use of AstraZeneca vaccine over life threatening effects

The Netherlands has become the latest country to suspend use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine over concerns about possible side effects. The Dutch government said the move, which will last until at least 29 March, was a precaution. The Republic of Ireland earlier made a similar decision over reports of blood clotting events in adults in Norway. But the World Health Organization says there is no link between the jab and an increased risk of developing a clot. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093

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