Mboera, L., & Rumisha, S. (2008). The role of mass media in disease outbreak reporting in the United Republic of Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 6(2), 73–77. https://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v6i2.14246
Copyright for articles published in this journal is retained by the journal.
Main Article Content
The role of mass media in disease outbreak reporting in the United Republic of Tanzania
LEG Mboera
National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
SF Rumisha
National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases and the growth of information communication technology have produced new demands and possibilities for disease outbreak information and reporting. An analysis of disease outbreak information and reporting by the Tanzanian mass media was carried out to cover a 12-month period between July 2002 and June 2003. Outbreak episodes reported in four local dailies were collected, compiled and analysed. The disease that received the highest coverage was cholera. Cholera outbreaks were frequently reported from the 3 districts in Dar es Salaam Region. Other epidemic-prone diseases received very little coverage. These included meningitis and rabies. With globalisation and high technological information systems, reports of disease outbreaks are more widely disseminated and more easily accessible than ever before. However, the quality of information is no longer controlled and may be provided out of context, often causing unnecessary public anxiety and confusion. It is important that mass media is provided with accurate epidemiological reports if correct information is to reach the public. The role of media in outbreak reporting is herein discussed in relation to the importance of providing timely and accurate epidemiological information.
Tanzania Health Research Bulletin Vol.6(2) 2004: 73-77
Donate
AJOL is a Non Profit Organisation that cannot function without donations.
AJOL and the millions of African and international researchers who rely on our free services are deeply grateful for your contribution.
AJOL is annually audited and was also independently assessed in 2019 by E&Y.
Your donation is guaranteed to directly contribute to Africans sharing their research output with a global readership.
Once off donations here:
For annual AJOL Supporter contributions, please view our Supporters page.
Tell us what you think and showcase the impact of your research!
Please take 5 minutes to contribute to our survey so that we can better understand the contribution that African research makes to global and African development challenges. Share your feedback to help us make sure that AJOL's services support and amplify the voices of researchers like you.