UNICEF bolsters work of journalists in response to Covid

More than 50 journalists from across the country gathered in Luang Prabang this week to discuss how to support communities’ efforts and engagement to prevent Covid-19 and increase vaccination uptake in Laos.
During the four-day meeting, journalists, including from the Vientiane Times, learnt about the results of a survey on vaccination coverage in tourism green zones in Luang Prabang province and Vientiane.

Reporters visit a hospital in Luang Prabang.

They deepened their understanding of barriers to behaviour change and Covid-19 vaccination uptake and how to address them in order to increase community engagement in the response to the pandemic.
Reporters discussed ethical reporting on children and were briefed about the role of Technology for Development (T4D) in journalism.
Participants travelled to nearby villages and tourist sites to gather content for TV, print and radio features on the Covid-19 vaccination rollout and community engagement.
Meeting organisers led discussions with participants about the support they had received in carrying out their work, including from organisations such as UNICEF.
The meeting noted that reporters continue to need support from higher authorities or organisations such as international development partners, especially as each journalist does not have the opportunity to develop him or herself equally.
Some journalists have the necessary capacity and knowledge but are unable to make progress because of budgetary constraints.
Meeting participants were asked for their opinions on the support provided by international organisations in Laos, including UNICEF, for the work of media personnel.
One person responded by saying that UNICEF plays an important role in building the skills of journalists by providing training and workshops on various topics, in particular aiming to broaden the capacity and knowledge of reporters with respect to children’s rights and the health sector.
“Journalists want to do their work professionally and wholeheartedly. We have learnt to love our job through training supported by UNICEF. And now we want to continue working as journalists. Journalists are curious about the changing media and information environment, and are eager to learn as much as possible during workshops,” she added.
Also speaking at the meeting, Director General of the Mass Media Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Somsavath Phongsa, said “The ministry, with support from UNICEF, has played an important role in raising awareness and changing behaviours in response to the Covid-19 pandemic through the production of TV and radio spots, online messages and audio recordings which have been continuously broadcast nationally or disseminated through public loudspeakers in several Lao languages across thousands of villages.”
Communication Specialist with UNICEF Lao PDR, Mr Tabongphet, said “UNICEF expresses sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and national and provincial media, for their continued collaboration and support to strengthen the capacity of the national and provincial media in covering issues related to children and Covid-19 prevention and vaccination.”
“We remain committed to supporting the Lao government to achieve its ambitious Covid-19 vaccination targets.”
Journalists also discussed how to improve the flow and quality of information on the Media Laos Facebook Page, which currently has more than 140,000 followers and plays an important role in disseminating information and accurate news in real-time to Lao-based audiences, Mr Tabongphet said.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update August 29, 2022)