Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf has reiterated the need for responsible health reporting, warning that misinformation can create panic, mislead authorities and endanger public health.
Yusuf made the call during a two-day workshop on health reporting held in Kano and organised by the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) in collaboration with FCDO-Lafiya and the Africa Budget Network (AHBN).
The workshop brought together journalists, social media influencers, public relations officers and health communicators to enhance their skills in accurate, ethical and impactful health reporting.
Addressing participants, Yusuf cautioned against sensationalised or misleading reports, stressing that misinformation in health journalism could misdirect government resources and misinform the public.
“Health reporting is not like other forms of journalism. When you report on health, you are dealing with people’s lives. A single false report can cause panic, divert resources, or even lead to fatalities,” he said.
He cited past cases where inaccurate reports on disease outbreaks caused unnecessary alarm, emphasising the need for journalists to verify health-related claims before publication.
Speaking at the event, KNCDC director-general, Prof. Muhammad Abbas underscored the crucial role of journalists in shaping public health narratives and combatting misinformation.
“Health journalism is key to public health response. If information is not accurately reported, it can cause confusion, fear, and even prevent people from seeking care. That is why training journalists on ethical health reporting is essential,” Abbas stated.
AHBN finance manager, Mrs. Abigail Ogah urged journalists to collaborate with health professionals and agencies to ensure factual and balanced reporting.
“We are not saying don’t report health issues – please do. But do it responsibly. Verify your facts, consult experts, and ensure your reporting contributes to solutions rather than creates problems,” Ogah advised.
The workshop covered key topics, including best practices in health journalism, effective communication during disease outbreaks, combatting misinformation and disinformation and ethical considerations in health reporting.
Participants engaged in practical sessions, case studies, and expert discussions, with facilitators emphasising the importance of fact-checking, responsible reporting and collaboration with health authorities.
Many attendees appreciated the training, pledging to apply the lessons learned in their work.
As Kano continues to tackle public health challenges, experts say media professionals will play a crucial role in shaping health policies and influencing public perception.
