The COVID-19 pandemic is also an information crisis - and journalists are the first responders. People need access to local, trusted information on COVID-19 and vaccines, but local news outlets need financial and advisory support to bolster their health reporting. Through launching our Rapid Response Fund, Health Media Mentors, and the Health Journalism Network, Internews is supporting local journalists and news outlets so they can continue to provide life-saving information.
The pandemic has been accompanied by a massive 'infodemic' -an over-abundance of information- making it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance in a language they understand and relevant to their local context. Journalists play a pivotal role in documenting the outbreak, countering misinformation, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and helping people understand the pandemic, especially when some governments are sending mixed messages or sometimes failing to speak the truth.
Our efforts provide journalists worldwide with funding to cover underreported health stories impacted by the pandemic and advisory services from Internews' public health experts and health journalists. We train and provide support for local journalists to promote health literacy, counter health misinformation, share locally available treatment and health services, build community among health media professionals, and help rebuild trust in science - especially among marginalized communities.
At a time of such uncertainty and alarm, journalists are on the frontlines giving us the facts. The funds will allow Internews' local journalist and media partners in over 80 countries to continue to operate and be the fact-checkers, working tirelessly to keep their communities informed, stay safe and access available services. Trusted local media is a cornerstone of resilient communities, helping people to recover and rebuild as we navigate through these times of uncertainty and upheaval.
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