Event highlights
On the occasion of the
specialized training for journalists on immunization organized by WHO, in
collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, the Republican Center
for Immunoprophylaxis (RCI) and the Republican Center for Health Promotion and
Mass Communications, WHO Representative to Kyrgyzstan, Dr Liviu Vedrasco,
highlighted the critical role of the media in tackling vaccine hesitancy,
emphasizing the importance of accurate and responsible reporting in building
public confidence in vaccines.
During the training,
participants were provided with the necessary tools to deliver accurate, clear
and transparent coverage of vaccination issues, particularly around vaccine
safety and efficacy. The training emphasized how to address vaccine hesitancy
in the media and combat misinformation, which has become an increasing
challenge globally. Journalists were also trained on how to report on public
health crises, such as outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, with a focus
on balancing urgency with responsibility in their coverage. They learned how to
present factual, science-based information to prevent panic while guiding the
public towards proper health measures.
Another key focus of the
training was the role of digital tools in monitoring immunization coverage.
Journalists were introduced to tools that track vaccine distribution and
vaccination progress, which they can now utilize to inform their audiences and
provide up-to-date information on vaccination campaigns. This insight will help
journalists play an active role in countering misinformation, particularly on
social media platforms, by providing accurate data on immunization efforts.
The training also
strengthened the collaboration between the media and health authorities. By
improving their understanding of immunization policies and the strategies
behind vaccination campaigns, journalists are now better positioned to engage
the public in informed discussions about vaccination. This enhanced
relationship will contribute to more responsible reporting and will help to
foster greater trust in immunization programmes across Kyrgyzstan.
By the end of the training,
journalists had gained practical insights into immunization policies and best
practices in media engagement. This, in turn, is expected to contribute to a
more informed public dialogue on vaccination, ultimately supporting efforts to
increase vaccine confidence and uptake in Kyrgyzstan.
Event notice
The Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis, Republican Center for Health Promotion and Mass Communication and WHO, is organizing a specialized training for journalists on immunization. The event, scheduled for 6–7 February 2025, in Bishkek, aims to strengthen media professionals’ ability to communicate effectively on vaccination-related topics.
Over the course of 2 days, participants will engage in in-depth discussions on key immunization issues, including the epidemiological situation of measles in Kyrgyzstan, global trends in immunization, vaccine safety and the role of digital tools in monitoring vaccination coverage. Health experts and medical professionals will address common misconceptions, providing journalists with evidence-based resources to inform their reporting. A significant part of the training will focus on crisis communication, equipping journalists with the skills to navigate public concerns and misinformation while reinforcing trust in immunization programmes.
The sessions will be led by representatives from WHO, the Ministry of Health and leading medical institutions. Their expertise will provide journalists with a comprehensive understanding of vaccine-preventable diseases, the importance of surveillance and the necessity of accurate reporting in public health.
By the end of the training, journalists will have gained practical insights into immunization policies and best practices in media engagement. The event is expected to contribute to a more informed public dialogue on vaccination, ultimately supporting efforts to increase vaccine confidence and uptake in Kyrgyzstan.
The event is organized under a project co-funded by the European Union, which is currently being implemented in Kyrgyzstan and 4 other central Asian republics – Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The project involves supporting the ministries of health with immunization and supply chain logistics, risk communication and community engagement, and the capacity-building of health-care professionals, paving the way to achieve the goals and targets of the European Immunization Agenda 2030.