Amref International University Introduces Course to Improve the Quality Health Reporting

NAIROBI, 25 February 2020: Amref International University (AMIU) recognises the important advocacy role of journalists in informing the public in promotive, preventive, rehabilitative and palliative health with the introduction of a Health Communication & Journalism course.

Beginning March 23 2020, the short course intends to train the next generation of factual and evidence-based reporters. It provides learners with a thorough understanding of topical issues in health in order to aid in generating well researched, analytical and in-depth articles.

“This course is designed for persons passionate about factual and evidence-based journalism. As a university, we will continue to build capacities for journalists by offering short courses. In the next two years, we will upgrade this training to a Postgraduate Diploma or a Master’s Degree,” says Prof. Marion Mutugi the vice-chancellor of AMIU.

Amref Health Africa, AMIU together with other partners, designed the course with the aim of increasing accurate information and also address the sensitivities and ethical issues around health reporting.

According to Technical Support unit, the training model offers a drastic shift from basic reporting to context and analysis.

“With this, reporters are able to provide their consumers with in-depth stories on issues that matter to them,” says Prof. Joachim Osur, Amref Health Africa’s Technical Director.

The course targets journalists, public relations officers and health managers, but it’s open to anyone.

What does the course focus on?

The practical oriented Health Communication & Journalism course will be delivered through face-to-face engagements and video interviews with leading experts.

The modules cover the following topics:

a) Fundamentals of Health Communication

b) Overview of the Health Sector

c) Communicating Emerging and re-emerging Health issues in Africa

d) Global Health Policies and Social Health Determinants

e) Research for Health and Data Reporting

f) Reporting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

g) Bioethics and Health Laws

h) Media and Advocacy in Health Reporting

i) Innovation and Technology in Health

Course design

The one-month course (5 days course work at AMIU, 21 days field case study at participant’s workplace & 2 days feedback meeting at AMIU). The course is priced at $800 (USD).

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Notes to Editors

About Amref International University

Amref International University (AMIU) is an institution of higher learning focused on training in health sciences and is fully owned by Amref Health Africa. AMIU is founded on the intellect of Amref Health Africa, which has over 60 years’ experience providing quality public health interventions, training and education. AMIU has nurtured leaders and shaped the future of public health practice in Africa for over 40 years under its predecessor Amref International Training Centre (AITC). We lead the way in health sciences education with a breadth of programmes. We focus primarily on health sciences courses with a commitment to progressively develop innovative programmes catering to the present and future needs of African populations. AMIU currently has an Institute of Research, Innovation and Consultancy and one School of Health Sciences with five departments: • Community Health Practice • Health Systems Management and Development • Nursing • Laboratory Sciences • Health Professions Education. Visit www.amref.ac.ke for more information on our programmes.

For more information, contact:

Hezron Ochiel Regional Communications Officer, Amref Health Africa Email: Hezron.Owuor@Amref.org; Cell phone: +254724278948

OR

Betty Buyuka Communications Manager, Amref International University Email: Betty.buyuka@amref.ac.ke; Cell phone: +254 722 513 239