By Mark Nyepan, Maryland Correspondent
Cell: 231880623357 / 231779164320
In support and collaborating with Journalists in Maryland County, Partners in Health and Maryland County Health Team have conducted a day long workshop with journalists from various institutions and media platforms in the County participating.
The training workshop brought together 23 Journalists, including our correspondent, who were lectured in Brand and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Awareness.
The workshop was intended to bolster journalistic integrity and promote ethical health reporting practices. Partners in Health Liberia, Thursday, says they were taking proactive steps to provide comprehensive training to the journalists in Brand and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) awareness.
This initiative underscores the PIH-Liberia commitment to upholding professional standards and safeguarding the well-being of both reporters and the communities they serve.
Journalists underwent intensive sessions on Thursday, February 22, 2024, covering topics such as the “Role of Media in Health Advocacy”, “Community Health Programs”, “Building Partnerships and Promoting Public Image”, and the “Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment”.
In her opening statement, Partners in Health Liberia Deputy Executive Director, Viola Karanja said the training is aimed at enhancing journalists’ understanding of Partners In Health accomplishments in the County health care delivery in Maryland County.
For him, Luther Mafalleh, a veteran journalist and lead trainer for the workshop, emphasized the importance of ethical reporting in maintaining public trust and credibility.
“Journalists play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and holding power to account,” says Mafalleh, adding, “By providing training in Brand and PSEAH awareness, we are empowering you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their reporting.”
The training initiative received a commendation from county-based journalists, and government officials represented by Maryland County Health Officer, Dr. Siedoh Freeman, who recognized the significance of the training aimed at enhancing the quality and credibility of journalism in Maryland County.
At the end of the day-long media gathering, Emmanuel Wilson of Voice of Hope, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, lauded PIH-Liberia, stating, “Investing in the capacity building of journalists is essential for fostering a vibrant and responsible media landscape. This training equips journalists with the tools they need to navigate ethical challenges and uphold the public interest.”
Moreover, the inclusion of PSEAH awareness training highlights Maryland County’s commitment to combatting sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment within the media sectors.