Authors: Andrew Oguntolu, Adekeye Toyosi, Umoti Yakdum
Health journalists play a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions and responses to diseases. In many parts of the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, where tuberculosis (TB) remains a pressing public health challenge, accurate and impactful reporting is vital. Recognising this need, the LIGHT Consortium and Zankli Research Center at Bingham University, held a two-day Capacity Strengthening Workshop on Tuberculosis Reporting for Journalists in Abuja, Nigeria- from 5-6 September 2024. The workshop aimed to equip journalists with the essential skills needed to report TB-related news accurately and effectively through a gender lens. Such reporting skills support journalists to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public understanding of complex health topics such as TB.
Understanding Tuberculosis: A Global and National Challenge
TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally. In 2022, TB claimed an estimated 1.3 million lives, while 10.6 million new cases of TB (World TB Report, 2023). Nigeria accounts for 4.5% of the global tuberculosis burden, placing it among the top eight countries with the highest TB incidence. Despite global efforts to reduce TB incidence and mortality, the disease remains a significant threat, especially in regions marked by poverty, weak healthcare infrastructure, and lack of public awareness. This amplifies the need for effective and accurate communication of complex TB-related issues to diverse audiences, to help raise awareness and bridge health informant gaps.
The Role of Media in Addressing Misinformation
One of the central themes of the workshop was the critical role health journalists play in addressing misinformation. Throughout history, pandemics and health crisis like COVID-19 have been exacerbated by inaccurate or unsensitised media coverage that may sometimes lead to disrupted public trust. TB is no exception. Journalists are tasked with conveying accurate, research-backed information that the public can understand and rely on. This not only educates the public but also fosters trust in public health interventions. During the workshop, Associate Professor Toyosi Adekeye emphasised the responsibility of media professionals and health journalists in fact-checking and adhering to verified scientific sources to guide their reporting. TB is not merely a health issue; it is also deeply rooted in social determinants such as poverty, malnutrition and poor living conditions. Health journalists, therefore, need to present TB stories within the broader context of social and economic factors, to support shaping public policy and advocacy efforts.
Challenges in TB Reporting
One of the biggest challenges in TB reporting as expressed during the workshop is the lack of specialised health journalists in Nigeria. Many journalists face difficulties in navigating complex medical terminology and data, often resulting in under-reporting or misrepresentation of public health issues like TB. One of the examples discussed is the gap between guidelines/policies and practice – where TB services are to be offered for free, yet are often inaccessible due to systemic barriers at healthcare facilities. Bringing such discrepancies to light requires well-informed health journalists who can navigate policy, context, and ground realities.
Data-Driven and Multimedia Reporting: Modern Tools for TB Journalism
The integration of data-driven journalism and multimedia storytelling was one of the key takeaways from the workshop. Reliable data is becoming increasingly central to healthcare reporting, with global health data projected to grow astronomically. This requires health journalists to develop skills in data interpretation and storytelling to create compelling narratives that can drive public engagement and policy change.
Associate Professor Desmond Onyemechi Okocha, who led the session on multimedia storytelling, encouraged journalists to use multiple media forms—such as text, video, audio, and graphics—to create dynamic, interactive stories. By combining data with human-interest elements, journalists can make complex health issues like TB more accessible and engaging for a general audience, thus enhancing public understanding and response
Conclusion
The workshop highlighted the need for sustainable strategies in TB reporting. Establishing collaborative spaces, where journalists can share challenges, experiences and solutions are vital for the continuous improvement of health journalism. By equipping journalists with the tools and knowledge to report on TB effectively, the LIGHT Consortium and Zankli Research Center are helping ensure that the public receives accurate, timely, and impactful health information as Nigeria continues to make progress in reducing its high TB burden. The role of journalists in shaping public understanding and influencing policy cannot be overstated, as they contribute to the global fight against tuberculosis, improving health outcomes for millions.