Regional Meeting of Journalists in Cartagena

Training Informants: The Key to Efficiently Communicating Health Issues

In a world where information flows constantly and news spreads with a single click, the work of journalists becomes even more crucial. Transmitting accurate, contextualized and reliable information is a duty that cannot be taken lightly, especially when it comes to health-related topics. The importance of training journalists to be effective communicators in these areas has become more evident than ever, and notable examples, such as the workshop organized by public relations agency Image & Press, show us how this training can make an impact significant.

In an effort to improve the quality of health information in the media, Image & Press held a Regional Meeting of Journalists in Cartagena. This event brought together communicators from Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela with a clear objective: to strengthen their understanding and skills in communicating health issues, in particular, sexual health.

The training offered in this workshop was not only focused on conveying data and statistics, but on providing an in-depth understanding of sexual health from various perspectives. The attending journalists not only acquired knowledge about the medical aspects, but also understood the importance of approaching the subject with sensitivity and responsibility. This comprehensive training allowed communicators to contextualize information and present it in an accessible and respectful manner for their diverse audience.

The success of this initiative was reflected in the impact it had on subsequent publications by trained journalists. Information about sexual health, once treated with some reticence, began to occupy a more prominent place in the media. The articles were more informed, more accurate, and conveyed an educational message. This transformation in storytelling helped dispel myths and taboos around sexual health, empowering the audience with information that could change lives.

The Regional Meeting of Journalists organized by Image & Press exemplifies how carefully designed training can transcend words and have a tangible impact on society. By educating journalists about health issues, a cultural change is being created in how these issues are addressed in the media. Trained journalists become agents of change, capable of influencing the perceptions, attitudes and behaviors of society at large.

The importance of training journalists to communicate effectively about health issues cannot be underestimated. Examples such as the Image & Press workshop highlight how this training not only enriches journalistic work, but also contributes to a society that is better informed and aware of health issues. The investment in the training of informants is an investment in the health and well-being of society as a whole.