| …as PAHO/WHO launches monthly media interactionsOfficials of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health have urged the media to responsibly report on suicides as the epidemic continues in Guyana.The issue of suicide has been one plaguing Guyana for years but gained prominence last year following a report from the WHO which identified Guyana as the nation with the highest number of suicides. According to the report, Guyana suffers 44.2 suicides for 100,000 persons per year. This figure is almost double what it was less than 10 years ago.In light of the findings,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping, officials have opined that the media has a serious role to play,Cheap Jerseys From China, not only in reducing “copycat” suicides but also in sensitising the public.During a recent forum held by PAHO/WHO at its Brickdam office, the media was reminded of its responsibility and urged to follow ethical guidelines and principles when it came to reporting on suicide.Attending the forum was Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton, and Minister within the Ministry, Dr. Karen Cummings, who both echoed the sentiments of PAHO/WHO. Also in attendance were representatives from the Public Health Ministry’s Mental Health Unit.Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton with Minister within the Ministry Dr. Karen Cummings during the media interactionMinister Norton, during brief remarks, expressed the hope that the monthly meetings with the media would indeed continue as planned. He deemed the initiative as “excellent” and openly indicated his willingness to participate in future interactions.“I’ve probably been a member of the opposition for too long but one of my strong points was that it really used to affect me when there was, ‘I’ll get back to you’,Carlos Santana Indians Jersey, coming from the Ministers to the media or ‘the Minister is in a meeting and is not available’,NFL Jerseys Sale,” he said.He noted that while sometimes these excuses are genuine, public officials should nonetheless strive towards fostering a better relationship with the media. He said this was particularly true in the area of health.“Suicide is a complex issue; it’s not going to be Ministry of Health, it’s not going to be Ministry of Education, it’s not going to be the social workers; it’s going to be all of us,” he emphasised. “We have to take these issues seriously, lest we start doing more damage than good,” he added.He went on to note a recent case of suicide that would have made headlines and opined that while the story would have made “good reading” to some, irresponsible reporting on such matters could prove deadly.“That is a very, very sensitive story and I think that such stories should be handled by reporters of a senior level, who have been around this before.” He said too that reporters must be careful not to reveal too many details, not only to avoid copycats,DJ LeMahieu Rockies Jersey, but also to respect the families of the dead. He added that sometimes, the circumstances are not even suicide but – because “suicide is in the air” – it is often drawn as the conclusion.“In our enthusiasm, don’t let us rush in. Be that investigative journalist and really be careful and do your research.”Additionally, Minister Cummings opined that the marriage between the media and technical persons was an important one. She expressed optimism at the forging of a relationship with the media and said that such a collaborative approach would go a long way.She further noted that while the media had a role to play, officials also needed to be more open to inquiries from the media to facilitate responsible reporting.The recent interaction featured presentations on suicide and an extensive question and answer segment where the media representatives were allowed to air their views and ask pertinent questions.PAHO/WHO representatives have indicated that monthly interactions will continue with the media and urged media practitioners to submit focus areas for discussion,Nick Castellanos Tigers Jersey, not only on suicide but outside of it. |
