Client: Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Washington DC and the Africa CDC
Context: Among the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic is what health authorities have labeled an “infodemic”. This refers to the issue of widespread misinformation, disinformation and malinformation around the pandemic. The media consequently, is on the frontlines of this pandemic and plays a critical role in saving lives. Journalists can ensure that people get the right and factual information, can prevent the spread of fear and panic, and can debunk myths and fake news.
Solution: Gatefield worked with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator and Africa CDC to develop a journalism webinar for English speaking journalists in Africa. The webinar aimed to improve the way African journalists reported on public health and social measures (PHSM) around COVID-19. The webinar also unpacked some of the findings of the regional COVID-19 PSHM perception survey report. These findings were used to show journalists how to engage in informed reporting to address the challenges and opportunities for preventing the spread of COVID-19 across the continent. Gatefield developed a toolkit for journalists containing; the summary of the survey findings and tips for journalists, Africa CDC COVID-19 guidelines, and a list of resources for COVID-19 reporting. Leading up to the webinar, Gatefield reached out directly to over 1000 journalists and media organizations, engaging them even after the webinar had been concluded.
Outcomes:
- 446 registrations for the event and 228 people in attendance, meaning there was a 51% attendance rate. Journalists from 20 countries were represented at the event. The countries represented include – Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, South Sudan, South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Liberia, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- According to the participant evaluation poll completed by over 130 participants, 97% of attendees found the event helpful.
- Earned over 30 news reports about the webinar and findings across the continent, including cover page and centre spread in two tier-one print media outlets. We also secured about 10 features (Op-eds, TV and Radio interviews) in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Nigeria.
- Journalists have expressed significant interest in learning more about reporting around public health and continue to send enquiries related to reporting around COVID-19.
