By Solister Mogha, MANA
Journalists in the country have been urged to play their informative and educative role to clear the confusion surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Bright Msaka made the appeal on Tuesday in Zomba when he toured some health facilities to appreciate the district’s preparedness with regards to Covid-19 disease caused by Coronavirus.
Msaka said there have been a lot of conflicting messages recently, especially where politicians have been allowed to comment on the status of the country with some saying there is no Coronavirus in the country.
“As media professionals, try to talk to people who are neutral. Do not allow politicians to comment on the pandemic because they will mislead the nation. Let me also urge you to correct and clear where there is confusion.
“The more confused the public is, the more challenging will be the fight against the pandemic,” Msaka said.
The minister, therefore, asked the media to help government in passing out important information about Covid-19 considering that through the media, messages can reach out to the public quickly, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
“I would like to appreciate the role that all partners are playing, including the media in the country.
“We are together fighting this war. However, I would like to request you to do more, let the nation know more about the disease,” Msaka appealed.
He also appealed to religious and traditional leaders and various organisations to carry out messages about the pandemic to communities and ensure everyone is reached to save lives.
District Commissioner for Zomba, Dr. Raphael Piringu commended the minister for touring Zomba District and acknowledged the role that journalists in the district were playing in making sure communities become aware of Covid-19.
“The media in Zomba is doing a commendable job and more people are aware of the disease because of their efforts.
“We will continue to engage the media and ensure important messages are passed on to the general public,” Piringu said.
Among other facilities, Msaka toured Matawale Isolation Centre, Chancellor College Laboratory and Zomba Central Hospital.
