DOH underscores role of media in times of pandemics
BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Health in a media forum attended by more than 20 members of the tri-media and information officers from regions 6, 7 and 8 underscored the importance of media as partners for its health advocacies.
DOH Assistant Regional Director Dr. Marlyn Convocar affirmed in her message the partnership by calling the media as a “perfect” partner as it satisfy the need of the government in disseminating accurate and balanced information to help the public deal with the threatening diseases.
The three-day seminar in Palmas Del Mar Resort here intends to strengthen the ties with the media while equipping them to deliver accurate and balance reporting to minimize the fear and anxiety of people in times of crisis.
The topics discussed focused on emerging and re-emerging of infectious diseases which include Leptospirosis, Rabies, A(H1N1), Dengue and Ebola Reston among others.
The DOH is following the guidelines set by the World Health Organization in response to outbreaks. It needs to build trust, announce early, be transparent, respect public concerns and plan in advance for the department to be effective in responding with crisis. (PIA/EAD)
