The Role and Responsibility of Communicators in Public Health Crisis Management in Angola.

The Ministry of Health, with the support of UNICEF, WHO, in partnership with the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies, and Social Communication, held a meeting at the Journalist Training Center, to address the role of communicators and responsibility in the management of public health crises.

The opening of the event was attended by the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Nuno dos Anjos Caldas Albino, the Head of the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiological Surveillance of MINSA, Dr. Manuel Eusébio, the Acting Representative of the WHO in Angola, Tomás Valdez and the Head of the Social Policies Section, and Acting Deputy Representative of UNICEF, Louise Moreira Daniels.

"One of the main objectives of this meeting is the creation of a network of journalists for health. This network will be a space for collaboration, sharing good practices, access to official information and rapid response in emergencies. It will align narratives, combat rumors and ensure that the population receives clear, accessible and evidence-based messages, thus reinforcing the role of journalism in promoting public health," said Louise Moreira Daniels, Head of the Social Policies Section at UNICEF.

On August 20 of this year, CEFOJOR hosted a meeting promoted by UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, the WHO, and the European Union, with the aim of strengthening public health communication. The activity brought together journalists and communicators, culminating in the launch of the National Health Communication Network. UNICEF intends to continue with this activity program for 21 provinces.

Communication professionals in Angola were called upon to act with technical rigor, ethical responsibility, and social sensitivity, especially in times of crisis, and it is necessary to resort to specialized sources, confirm the veracity of the data before its dissemination, and transmit the information with clarity and precision.

"The quality of society is linked to the level of performance of journalists." Said Secretary of State for Social Communication, Nuno dos Anjos Caldas Albino.

In times of health emergency, journalists can take on a role as relevant as health professionals. Its action can favor the control of the crisis, promote collective well-being and save lives. However, when it acts irresponsibly or negligently, it can jeopardize an entire national effort.

"When communicators are trained and engaged, it is possible to save lives and restore dignity." – Manuel Eusébio Acting WHO Representative in Angola.

More than 90 journalists and communicators from different bodies participated, representing the provinces of Luanda, Bengo, Cuanza Sul, Lunda Sul, Lunda Norte, Moxico, Huila, Cabinda, Cunene, Malanje, Uíge, and Zaire.

José Magalhães, journalist at Radio Global FM highlighted the role of journalists. "It implies that we, journalists, because of the power we have, must be the promoters of these actions of citizenship and social responsibility."

In turn, Geovani António, a reporter for a TV channel, pointed out that "it is necessary to give news space about what companies do in relation to sustainable development in communities. From health, education and other issues." - Geovani António, reporter for TV Zimbo.

During the discussions, it was established that the Journalist committed to the principles of professional ethics acts as a link between the population, the health authorities, and the scientific community. His role goes beyond reporting facts; he contributes directly to the health education of society, providing guidance on preventive behaviors, clarifying doubts, and combating rumors.

Meanwhile, it was also highlighted that bad journalistic practice in the context of a crisis can have harmful effects. When a journalist transmits false, inaccurate information, it contributes to the spread of disinformation, a problem that, in addition to confusing the population, can result in dangerous decisions, delay the control of the crisis, and put lives at risk.

Strengthening responsible journalism and combating disinformation are key measures to ensure an effective and coordinated response to public health crises. After all, true information, disseminated responsibly, is one of the most powerful tools in the defense of life.

The next meeting for communication professionals from the central and southern region will be held in Huambo, on September 9, at the CEFOJOR Journalist Training Center.