With the slogan "Health First, Health Always," BHPG members are optimistic that this collaboration will lead to significant improvements in patient care and raise health awareness in local communities.
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Members of Busoga Health Press Group display their banner during their event launch.
Jinja Regional Referral Hospital has joined forces with local journalists, through their umbrella body, the Busoga Health Press Group (BHPG), to promote health initiatives at the grassroots level across the Busoga sub-region. With the slogan "Health First, Health Always," BHPG members are optimistic that this collaboration will lead to significant improvements in patient care and raise health awareness in local communities.
Under the partnership, health workers will hold monthly press conferences where journalists will break down key disease prevention measures for the public. These platforms will also serve to inform the community about available medical services at lower-level health facilities, aiming to reduce overcrowding at major hospitals within the sub-region.
Alfred Yayi, the Director of Jinja Hospital, emphasized the critical role journalists play in bridging information gaps. “This partnership will increase medical knowledge within the communities,” he said. “There are many specialized services at hospitals in this region that the public is unaware of, and the media can help spread this vital information.”
Yayi is also hopeful that this initiative will help sensitize communities about the importance of prioritizing their health. He pointed out that promoting preventive measures is essential to reducing the disease burden and easing pressure on local hospitals.
Julius Mukasa, the Chairperson of BHPG, highlighted the often-overlooked role of health journalism, especially at the grassroots level. “Health is one of the least prioritized topics in journalism, yet it significantly impacts rural communities,” Mukasa said. “Many people still succumb to curable diseases due to lack of awareness.”
BHPG members, which include radio presenters, have pledged to dedicate part of their airtime to creating awareness about basic disease prevention practices, such as maintaining hygiene, sleeping under treated mosquito nets, boiling drinking water, and proper handwashing.
Mukasa added that several radio stations in the region have allocated at least one minute of airtime during their programs to sensitize the public on disease prevention. In addition, editors have committed to incorporating health-focused stories into their weekly news bulletins.
The Busoga Health Press Group (HPA) consists of 50 journalists from various districts within the Busoga sub-region, who are eager to enhance their skills through capacity-building efforts. They hope to improve their ability to cover community health issues and deliver impactful stories that resonate with the local population.
