Over 20 Journalists Trained in Responsible Health Reporting in Eastern Equatoria

By Simon Deng

The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), in collaboration with the National Ministry of Health (MOH) and with support from UNICEF, has trained 25 journalists in responsible health reporting in Torit, Eastern Equatoria state.

The training took place during a transformative two-day Media Orientation Workshop on Ethical Health Reporting, organised by the Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP). The workshop attracted more than 25 journalists, including state officials.

Dr. Amin Gordiano, the Director of Primary Health Care at the Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Health, who officiated the workshop, described the training as more than just capacity-building but a timely call to action.

“The success of HSTP does not end at the health facility; it continues in the homes and hearts of people, and that’s where journalists come in—to inform, to educate, and to inspire trust in our health systems,” said Gordiano on Saturday during the closing of the two-day workshop on responsible health reporting.

The workshop covered areas including HSTP’s funding landscape, child and maternal health, immunisation strategies, Social Behaviour Change (SBC), and the media’s critical role in combating misinformation.

Majak Daniel Kuany, the Secretary General of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan, highlighted the power of storytelling in health journalism, stating that the training would enhance responsible health reporting.

“When a journalist tells the story of a mother walking miles to vaccinate her child, that story has the power to move communities and policies alike; that is the heart of ethical health journalism,” said Kuany.

Juma Daniel Maidodo, a Communication Specialist for the National Ministry of Health, said the training session aimed to enhance social and behavioural change, emergency preparedness, and the importance of data-driven health reporting.

“We are in an age where one social media post can change public opinion. Journalists must become the voice of reason and truth,” said Maidodo, adding that they will draft a Health Media Guide to promote consistent ethical standards and improve coordination between journalists and health authorities.

The event, spearheaded by the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) in collaboration with the National Ministry of Health and supported by UNICEF, aimed to enhance responsible health reporting under South Sudan’s landmark Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP).

James Opiny, the coordinator for UJOSS in Eastern Equatoria state, echoed similar sentiments, expressing his hope that the training would elevate the standard of health reporting across the state.

“The workshop covered a comprehensive range of topics. We want to see journalists going beyond the headlines, telling human stories that reflect both challenges and resilience within our health system,” Opiny said.

Paul Jalingo, the Director General for the Ministry of Information and Communication in Eastern Equatoria state, praised the initiative, adding that the training session seeks to build trust and enhance the delivery of accurate information.

“This kind of engagement between health professionals and the media is long overdue. It builds trust and allows accurate information to reach people who need it most,” said Jalingo.

The media training in Torit, Eastern Equatoria state, forms part of an ongoing media-health orientation series that began in March in Juba, bringing together over 40 journalists and UNICEF Young Reporters to build national capacity in ethical and impactful health communication.