Journalists sensitised on key household behaviours

A daylong sensitisation workshop for both electronic and print media practitioners on four key household behaviours was recently organised by the Health Education Unit under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with UNICEF.

The topics, among others, include an overview of exclusive breastfeeding and iodized salt consumption in The Gambia, overview of Diarrhea and the preventive measures in The Gambia, and overview and preventive measures of malaria in The Gambia. 

The workshop, held at the Baobab Holiday Resort, was aimed at promoting the practices of key household behaviours so as to increase awareness on child survival and development.

Addressing journalists at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Technical Omar Sey, said "We are looking at the four key household behaviors." He stated that the role of the media is paramount and cannot be over-emphasised.

DPS Sey, however, informed the gathering that social household behaviours are part of the norms and values of society, adding that media can make changes in these areas by making use of their respective medium of communication.

He urged member of media to take up the training seriously so as to disseminate accurate information to the masses.

For his part, Yerro Bah, the Deputy Programme Officer, Health Education Unit underscored the important role journalists play in society, adding that the objective was to involve the media.

Mr. Bah challenged the participants to make the best use of the training. As he put it "health is every one’s business."

According to him, media is indeed a partner in development and the aim of the Ministry is to disseminate accurate health information.

He reiterated his unit's readiness to collaborate with the media for more development programmes, while commending them for always responding to the Ministry's call.