18 June 2020- The PAHO Caribbean Sub regional Program Coordination Office, the Mental Health, Substance Use Unit and the Caribbean Development Bank, in association with the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, hosted a virtual workshop for journalists and communicators on how to ensure informative, responsible, safe and evidence-based coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aim of the workshop was to help journalists understand the various technical terminology utilized during outbreaks and epidemics, how to interpret the epidemiological curve and to ensure accurate and sensitive reporting on aspects of a pandemic, particularly relating to mental health. It included an introduction to the ethical aspects of journalistic coverage, information on how to interpret basic epidemiological concepts, as well as an overview of mental health issues in the context of COVID-19.
Common concerns related to COVID-19 might include a fear of falling ill, death of oneself or loved ones, loss of livelihoods, and having to isolate or be quarantined. Feelings of helplessness, boredom, loneliness, depression, anger, and mistrust are to be expected during such a crisis; however, a lack of information or the spread of inaccurate information can fuel these responses, giving journalists and the media an important role in educating the public, reducing risk, supporting the mental wellbeing of populations.
This was the first of a 4-training series, which will be held every two weeks. The upcoming topics will cover stigma, violence and the economic consequences of the COVID19 pandemic and its impact on mental wellbeing. The workshop was very well received with over 150 journalists and communicators from 20 Caribbean countries and territories.