ABIGAIL CHIFUSA
Lusaka
THE battle against zoonotic diseases (transmitted between animals and humans) has taken centre stage in Zambia’s national health concerns.
As the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health becomes increasingly evident, the urgency to address the risks posed by diseases such as anthrax and COVID-19 has never been more critical.
Amidst this invisible war, a call echoes not just from laboratories and research centres, but from the corridors of media outlets, urging journalists to step into the forefront of awareness and understanding.
In the forefront of this fight is project lead for Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA), Musso Munyeme, who calls on a powerful ally – the media – to take the lead in zoonotic disease risk communication and awareness.
Expressing concern, Dr Munyeme noted that the media is largely sidelined in addressing critical issues related to public health threats.
“I have observed with worry that the media is mostly not in the mainstream when it comes to critical issues concerning public health threats,” he said.
Read more: eNews Daily Mail | Without Fear Or Favour (daily-mail.co.zm)
