Busoga journalists take on health myths with medical experts in bold new initiative
“Health should be a priority for everyone to ensure a healthy future,” Mukasa said.
Jinja: In a groundbreaking move to curb health misinformation, journalists in Busoga have teamed up with medical professionals under the newly formed Busoga Health Press Group to educate the public and counter long-standing health myths that continue to endanger lives in the region.
The collaboration was officially launched on Monday during a one-day health camp held at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja City.
The event primarily targeted pregnant women, addressing a variety of pregnancy-related health issues. It also marked the beginning of monthly health education press briefings, during which medical experts will engage with the media to promote accurate health information.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Andrew Balyeku, Busoga Kingdom’s Minister for Health, hailed the initiative, emphasizing the urgent need for collaboration between media and medical professionals to fight health misinformation.
“Journalists must collaborate with medical personnel to address health misinformation and save lives,” Dr. Balyeku said.
He expressed confidence that consistent and accurate health reporting would help dismantle dangerous traditional beliefs about diseases and discourage harmful practices like self-medication.
Dr. Alfred Yayi, Director of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, echoed these sentiments, praising journalists for stepping up as health advocates.
He highlighted the overwhelming demand on maternal services, revealing that the hospital handles around 530 deliveries every month. He cited the high rate of teenage pregnancies as a major concern, often leading to serious health complications.
“We are not working alone as a government. We are working with partnerships, and the press plays a key role in creating awareness,” said Dr. Yayi.
The health camp attracted numerous expectant mothers, who received mother kits and various health services including screenings and treatment for malaria, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and hypertension.
The medical team included professionals from Kyabirwa Surgical Center and the Uganda Institute of Health Professionals.
Julius Mukasa, Director of the Busoga Health Press Group, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to leveraging media platforms for public health education.
“Health should be a priority for everyone to ensure a healthy future,” Mukasa said.
The event also served as a unique celebration of radio sports host Nicholas Kalanzi’s birthday, who has made it a tradition to mark the occasion with philanthropic efforts focused on maternal health.
“This is the fifth time I organize health camps in celebration of my birthday. I can’t go to bars to spend money when our mothers don’t have mother kits,” said Kalanzi.
This health education campaign represents a fresh chapter in the fight against health misinformation in Busoga, aiming to build a well-informed, healthier community through the power of media and medicine.
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