TURKMEN DOCTORS AND JOURNALISTS GOT ACQUAINTED WITH METHODS OF EFFECTIVE INFORMATION DURING THE PERIOD OF VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19

The WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan organized a training course for health workers and media representatives on effective public awareness during the COVID-19 vaccination period. The course is organized as part of a joint WHO / European Union project for Central Asian countries on the COVID-19 response and joint activities with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan to increase the capacity of health workers in effective crisis communication, as well as disseminate reliable information on vaccination in MASS MEDIA.

Experts from the WHO Regional Office for Europe shared with the participants techniques for effective interaction with patients during the vaccination campaign against COVID-19, methods for responding to possible questions from patients by health workers in order to strengthen their confidence in vaccination and immunization.

In turn, media representatives got acquainted with the latest data on vaccination coverage against COVID-19, useful links to reliable information resources. Particular attention was paid to advice on combating the so-called "infodemia" - the flow of unverified information and rumors. In this regard, should be noted that a number of WHO information campaigns “Summer Meaning”, “Do It All”, aimed at rethinking the approach to public health.

WHO also supports journalists in their efforts to provide technically accurate and contextual reporting on infectious disease prevention on television, in the press, on the Internet and on radio.

WHO will continue to support national partners in Turkmenistan to raise awareness during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign and share best practices in messaging from regional experiences.

Ayjakhan Ataballyeva

Turkmen doctors and journalists got acquainted with methods of effective information during the period of vaccination against COVID-19 (turkmenistan.gov.tm)