Journalists trained on youth health
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Ministry of Health, in collaboration with development partners, has trained journalists and digital content creators to equip them with the skills needed to promote adolescent reproductive health and help curb teenage pregnancies and HIV infections among young people.
The training, held from Wednesday to yesterday in Dar es Salaam was meant to provide them with knowledge and tools to produce accurate and engaging content for young people aged between 15 and 24 years.
The initiative precedes the Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) Bonanza, dubbed JIONGEZE360, which is being held under the theme: “Your Decision, Your Tomorrow.”
Speaking during the launch, Ministry of Health’s Information Officer, Mr Abdu Madenge, said the media is a key partner in ensuring young people receive accurate reproductive health information.
“The ministry believes the media plays a vital role in educating the public and enabling young people to access reliable information that can transform their lives. Through this training, journalists are expected to become ambassadors of the JIONGEZE360 campaign,” he said.
Mr Madenge said the campaign seeks to combat misinformation, stigma and discrimination that often prevent young people from accessing essential reproductive health services.
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He noted that increased media engagement would encourage greater uptake of youth-friendly health services while promoting informed decision-making among adolescents.
Upon completing the training, participants are expected to mobilise young people to take part in the upcoming bonanza, raise awareness of available youth-friendly services and stimulate public dialogue on adolescent reproductive health.
The government, through the Ministry of Health, continues to strengthen behaviour change communication by using innovative approaches to reach more young people.
The initiative also seeks to address challenges facing adolescents, including early pregnancy, limited knowledge of family planning, HIV infection and mental health issues.
