As part of ongoing efforts to address the high burden of maternal and perinatal deaths in Kwale County, the International Centre for Reproductive Health Kenya (ICRHK) through the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI) supported an impactful media engagement led by Fanikisha Foundation.
The meeting brought together members of the Kwale Press Club (Wanahabari) for a full-day capacity-strengthening session designed to equip them with data, storytelling skills, and a deeper understanding of maternal and newborn health (MNH) realities in their communities.
Shining a Light on Local Realities
The event opened with a data-driven presentation from Diana Joto, the County Nursing Officer, who shared trends and insights on maternal and perinatal mortality across all sub-counties of Kwale. Her presentation grounded in data shared by the County Health Management Team (CHMT) provided a sobering but necessary view of the ongoing challenges affecting mothers and newborns in the county.
By anchoring the session in real-world evidence, the conversation set the stage for deeper reflection on the media’s role in informing, influencing, and inspiring action.
A highlight of the day was a training session by Amina Faki, a seasoned journalist from Radio Kaya, who walked participants through the essentials of ethical, impactful health storytelling. Her presentation emphasized:
- Accuracy and the use of verified data
- Ethics and sensitivity when reporting on health issues
- Clear, jargon-free language
- Avoiding sensationalism
- Embracing solution journalism to focus not only on problems but also on what’s working
