Rotary International has called on journalists to shift their focus towards solution-based reporting in covering maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) issues.
This was emphasised during a two- day workshop organised by Rotary for selected journalists in Gombe State on impactful reporting of reproductive, maternal and child health stories held at Laylah Hotel.
Project manager of the organisation, Mr. Toyosi Adebambo, explained that the workshop aimed to equip journalists with the skills to report on RMNCH in a way that highlights solutions rather than just problems.
“We want journalists to focus on solution-based reporting, which can help policymakers and stakeholders develop effective solutions to maternal mortality and other RMNCH issues,” he said.
Also speaking, a facilitator at the workshop Mrs Grace Saleh Mabudi, who is the Gombe State family planning coordinator, pointed out the importance of family planning and child spacing in reducing maternal mortality rates.
She noted that factors such as early marriage and lack of education for women contribute significantly to high maternal mortality rates.
Another facilitator, Mrs Comfort Mukollo, tasked journalists to adopt solution-based reporting, emphasising that it would not only improve the quality of reporting but also aid government in policymaking.
“Solution-based reporting has pillars that include responses, insights, evidences, and limitations, among others,” she explained.
According to her, by adopting solution-based reporting, journalists can play a critical role in highlighting effective solutions and promoting positive change in maternal and child health.