Journalists Empowered to Drive Urban Health Awareness Through Science-Based Storytelling
A media capacity-building workshop, which commenced in Accra on Monday, July 7, 2025, and is expected to end on Tuesday, July 8, has underscored the critical role journalists play in shaping public discourse and influencing policy on urban health in Ghana and other developing countries. Organized by the Community-led Responsive and Effective Urban Health Systems (CHORUS) project in collaboration with Women, Media and Change (WOMEC), the workshop aims to promote effective science communication and bridge the gap between research findings and public understanding.
The Power of Journalism in Urban Health
Delali Kumapley, Head of the Capacity Strengthening Support Office for CHORUS, emphasized the link between journalism, public awareness, and long-term health policy outcomes. “Urban health is central to sustainable development, and journalists have a critical role to play in spotlighting urban health issues, especially in underserved communities.”
Fostering a Culture of Science-Informed Journalism
The workshop focuses on strengthening journalists’ capacity to report on science and public health issues, moving beyond press briefings to explore research outputs, policy papers, and academic publications. Kumapley stressed the importance of equipping reporters to uncover underreported issues in urban health, laying the foundation for a new culture of science-informed journalism.
A Call to Action
Dr. Charity Binka, speaking on behalf of WOMEC, called on journalists to embrace science and health communication as a civic responsibility. “The media has the power to shape how urban populations think, act, and demand better services.” She encouraged partnerships between journalists, researchers, and public health professionals to ensure accurate and balanced reporting.
Practical Tools for Effective Reporting
Professor Abena Yeboah-Banin from the University of Ghana’s Department of Communication Studies led practical sessions on communicating research beyond academia and using data in news reporting. She urged journalists to adopt data-driven approaches to uncover and highlight systemic issues, harnessing the power of data and evidence from communities to tell stories that drive change.
Journalists’ Commitment
Participants expressed gratitude for the insights gained and committed to proactively engaging urban communities, especially slums and underserved areas, to report on issues such as sanitation, maternal and child health, housing, waste management, and access to healthcare. The workshop is expected to conclude with a renewed commitment to science-informed journalism, driving urban health awareness and promoting sustainable development.
