TB-What the papers are not saying?

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TB--what the papers aren't saying

On World TB Day 2007, Panos Global AIDS Programme launches findings from a

global media analysis of print media coverage of TB.

The paper highlights findings from a content analysis of print media in 12

countries undertaken in 2006. It also draws upon recent reports and initiatives

around health journalism. Although 7 of the 12 countries included in the

analysis are ranked among the highest TB burden countries in the world, the

research found little coverage of TB in local or national print media.

The paper is a briefing for health practitioners, TB programmers,

policymakers, media professionals and people affected by TB. Based on an

analysis of media coverage of TB, it argues that health professionals and TB

specialists should be supported to engage more effectively with the media so

that the media can, in turn, play a more critical role in national and

international responses to public health concerns. The briefing aims to raise

awareness of TB and to raise its media profile, while at the same time

highlighting key obstacles to effective reporting on TB and other health issues.

It concludes with practical suggestions as to how the relationship

between the health and media sectors can be strengthened to enhance the media’s

contribution to global efforts to control TB.

Health epidemics like TB are not simply medical issues. They reflect wider

social inequalities linked to living conditions, poverty, immigration and access

to healthcare. As such, stories about TB do not deserve to be confined to the

health pages of the news. There is a need for collaborative interventions on HIV

and TB communication. In short, more needs to be done to improve media coverage,

to promote greater accountability and ultimately better health service delivery

around TB, HIV and other global health priorities. "

Clickhttp://www.panosaids.org/world_tb.htm or paste this address on your browser

window to Download paper

Anushree Mishra

e-mail: <anushreemishra@...>