By Hastings Yobe

Lilongwe, July 18 - The Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Alliance has called on the media to play a more significant role in raising awareness about NCDs in Malawi.

Speaking at a media workshop in Lilongwe, Dingaan Mithi, a representative of the alliance, emphasized the need for increased media coverage on NCDs, its causes, and dangers.

"There is a huge role that the media has to play in bridging the information gap on NCDs, causes, and dangers, by reaching a wider audience in the country," said Mithi.

He said the media has a critical role in advocating for effective policies and preventive measures.

"As the media, there is need to advocate for effective NCD policies and preventive measures amongst Malawians in the communities where we come from." Said Mithi.

Virinyu Dzimbiri, a journalist from Dzimwe Community Radio in Monkey Bay, said the workshop was enlightening and plans to incorporate NCD topics into her future programming. "

To most of us journalists present here, the issue about NCDs was new, but after this training, we will be able to put emphasis on NCDs since we now have an understanding of such.

"For example, apart from writing stories for radio, I also produce programs that feature women and the youth, and with this new information, it means I will be adding NCD topics to my future programming,” Dzimbiri said.

The NCD Alliance, is funded by the World Diabetes Foundation and other partners in health and works with the Ministry of Health to address the growing concern of NCDs in Malawi.