YONECO has trained journalists from various media houses in the country on countering COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation.
The training that was held at Liwonde in Machinga district was aimed at equipping journalists with skills on accurate reporting and countering myths and misconceptions surrounding COVID-19 vaccines.
The trained was facilitated by YONECO with funding from International Media Support (IMS) through a project called Stepping up Efforts to Counter Misinformation and Disinformation about COVID-19 in Malawi through Radio, Toll-free Helplines and ICT for Development.
In his opening speech, the Executive Director of YONECO, MacBain Mkandawire, urged journalists and media houses to provide the public with accurate information when disseminating information on Covid 19.
” Journalists play a critical role in disseminating information. As such, there is need for them to provide the public with accurate information as well as identifying misconceptions so that they can come up with quality information,” said Mkandawire.
Mkandawire further urged journalists to verify their information with relevant authorities, especially the Ministry of Health. He further urged people to continue adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures despite taking the vaccine.
The workshop was attended by journalists from Nation Publications Limited, MIJ FM, Chanco Radio, Radio Maria, Lilangukwa Community Radio, Capital FM, YONECO FM, Radio Islam, and Kulinji.com.
