Rely on Health Service website for information on COVID-19- Journalists urged

He gave the website address as https://www.ghanahealthservice.org/covid19/.

Dr da Costa, who is also the Director for Health Promotion at the GHS, expressed concern over false and misleading messages on the disease being circulated on social media.

Speaking with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, he said such wrong information only generated fear and panic and defeated the purpose of public education which could prevent a possible spread.

“It is, therefore, imperative for information officers of the Ministry of Information, journalists and other communicators to provide only truthful and accurate information for the public,” he added.

Training of trainers

Dr da Costa had earlier addressed regional directors and officers of the Information Services Department at a training of trainers’ workshop in Accra last Wednesday to equip the participants with relevant information on the virus.

Public education

He said the Health Promotion Division of the GHS had come up with public educational materials to be used nationwide.

He said educating the public with the right information was necessary for the successful management of health situations, particularly in outbreaks management and prevention.

He, therefore, advised organisations to use only approved materials and messages from the GHS and the Ministry of Health for the educational exercise to ensure consistency and standardisation.

“The service has produced adequate materials needed to educate the public in all the 16 regions. Health promotion officers who work in the communities will be beefed up to raise public education at all levels on COVID-19,” Dr da Costa added.

Writer’s email Doreen.andoh@graphic.com.gh