Her Excellency Mrs Neo Jane Masisi, The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, says media plays an integral role in creating awareness and disseminating information.
In her address, First Lady Mrs. Masisi stated that social media plays a crucial role in community development as it shapes perceptions, influence narratives and drives societal change. She further mentioned that health issues are sensitive, how you tell the story counts, adding that words and expressions also matters. She commended the Merck Foundation for providing training for media on sensitive issues like infertility.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for State President, Ms Montlenyane Baaitse commended the Merck Foundation for giving the media an opportunity of being part of the impactful training. She said the training was important as the media will learn, appreciate the intersectional health, medium and community advocacy in addressing stigma associated with addressing health related conditions particularly infertility.
The training which focused on infertility, mental health and non-communicable diseases served as a platform availed by Merck Foundation and First Lady to empower media personnel, equipping them with tools and insights to report on the topics with professionalism and sensitivity.
She urged the media to produce documentaries, write feature stories and commentaries that foster a supportive community that would have open dialogue on issues of infertility. She said working hand in hand can make a difference in lives of many.
