Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
JOURNALISTS have been urged to report on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues in a positive, ethical and informative manner that helps communities access life-saving services.
This emerged during the ongoing two-day “Beyond the Headlines” training workshop organised by Population Services Zimbabwe in Mutare, which brought together journalists and editors from various media houses across the country.
The workshop comes at a time when Zimbabwe continues to face reproductive health challenges, including high teenage pregnancy rates, maternal mortality and HIV prevalence.
Organisers stressed the need for rights-based and stigma-free reporting. Speaking in an interview, PSZ Advocacy and Gender Adviser Ms Nyasha Mudavanhu said the workshop seeks to equip media practitioners with the skills to report accurately and responsibly on SRH matters. “We are holding training on how to report positively in a way that informs and helps communities access sexual and reproductive health services.
“The engagement also focuses on ethical reporting and the role journalists and editors can play in improving access to reproductive health services in communities,” she said. Ms Mudavanhu noted that PSZ complements Government efforts by providing SRH services through outreach teams, public support strengthening teams and selected state clinics across the country.
