Event highlights
In a concerted effort to promote responsible reporting during public health crises, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republika Srpska and the Institute of Public Health of the Republika Srpska, with support from the WHO Country Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized a 2-day workshop that brought together more than 50 public relations professionals from the health sector and journalists.
The participants engaged in interactive sessions, sharing experiences and strategies for effectively conveying accurate health information to the public. Case studies on immunization campaigns illustrated how misinformation can undermine public trust and the importance of proactive communication strategies.
“Accurate information saves lives. Collaboration between health institutions and media professionals is crucial in ensuring that the public receives timely, factual and actionable health information,” said Erwin Cooreman, WHO Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “By fostering responsible reporting and enhancing crisis communication skills, initiatives like this workshop contribute to a more informed and resilient society.”
Combating misinformation
With the rise of misinformation, particularly during health crises and around immunization, the role of fact-based reporting has never been more critical. The workshop highlighted best practices in creating key messages, countering false narratives, and using social listening to identify and address public concerns.
“In the age of digital media, I would like to point out the importance of relying on credible sources of information and scientific facts,” said Jelena Vujić, Head of the Ministry’s Department for Public Relations. “In the conditions of increasing loss of trust, decline in the scope of immunization and infodemics, it is necessary to strengthen additional capacities as resistance to rumours and misinformation in the field of public health.”
With this initiative, WHO continues to support the health sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina in building a resilient communication framework to respond to health emergencies and promote public trust in health-care services.
Event notice
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republika Srpska, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Health of the Republika Srpska and with support from the WHO Country Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will organize a 2-day workshop aimed at enhancing crisis communication skills among public relations professionals and journalists.
The workshop will bring together more than 50 participants from the health and media sectors, offering interactive sessions and practical exercises on responsible reporting during public health emergencies. With a focus on addressing misinformation, particularly around immunization, the event will provide valuable insights into developing effective communication strategies and promoting accurate health information.