By Mwai Kumanda

Lilongwe, May 10, Mana:  Center for Solution Journalism (CSJ) has trained journalists on the importance of reporting issues of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) accurately saying journalists have got the power to people’s mind set.

Speaking during a training for journalists in Lilongwe, Executive Director for CSJ Brian Ligomeka said in most cases journalists are more interested in reporting on issues of politics, sports and religion leaving issues of SRHR that affects a lot of people more especially the adolescent on daily basis.

“SRHR reporting is very critical, and journalists should be reporting information that is factual and accurate to avoid bringing unnecessary panic among the people in the country,” he said.

Ligomeka said it is sad that many people in rural areas, unlike in urban areas are still struggling to access information on SRHR and safe motherhood a development he said is causing a lot of death among women.

Said Ligomeka: “According to statistics from various health facilities, SRHR cases such as unsafe abortions are rampant in the rural areas where most women and girls do not have access to some health services which are in the urban areas.

“A lot of family planning services are available in towns, by training the journalists on these issues, its going to help in spreading the information to reach to those people living in the rural areas.”

One of the participants Dorica Mtenje a reporter for Maravi Post said the training was an eye opener and the information gained during the training will assist her in reporting accurately on issues of SRHR.

“This is an important training as it will assist us to inform members of the general public accurately on issues of SRHR more especially on safe abortion and safe motherhood,” she said.