By Justina Auta
The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMD has called for accurate information dissemination and more public enlightenment to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Africa.
AMDF Executive Director, Mr Iliya Kure, said this in a statement, which highlighted guidelines for journalists in Africa on reportage of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Covid-19 pandemic is an ongoing global outbreak of disease with symptoms as fever, cough and shortness of breath among others.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on Jan. 31.
Following further assessment, it raised its global risk from “high” to “very high” on Feb. 28, and finally declared it a pandemic on March 11.
Kure stressed the role of the media in providing accurate information to the public in cases of health emergencies.
He said that it should include credible information and guidance to forestall spread of rumours and misinformation as well as direct people to appropriate health centres where they could find help when needed.
“The COVID-19, also known as novel coronavirus, is currently spreading across Africa and the world.
“From the messages we read flying across the continent, there are so many unverified information, which would likely to cause harm and misinform individuals.
“No doubt, governments all over the world are making frantic efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19.
“This in turn, calls for journalists and the media to demonstrate professionalism in their work by providing credible and reliable information that will appropriately direct and guide people.”
He, therefore, advised relevant authorities within African nations to provide vital and factual reports to the media to enable them to inform the public accurately on ways to curtail the spread of Covid-19.
The Director also called on media practitioners in Africa to avoid sensationalism in their reportage.
Rather, he said, they must provide accurate information, carry out research, work with relevant authorities, report positive or success stories, focus on the situation and look at the broader impact of the report before disseminating it.
Kure called on the media to ensure they adopted precautionary safety measures while engaged in fact findings or investigative reporting of the pandemic.
He further stressed for more public enlightenment on the effects of contacting the disease.
The Director also called on the media to share with the foundation useful tips aimed at combating the spread of fake news and misinformation on COVID-19.
Credit: NAN