The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rajshahi

Speakers at a orientation here on Tuesday stated that the media has a vital role in making the emergency preparedness activities in health successful.

They referred to some major disasters in the country like flood, cyclones, water logging, landlessness, fire, building collapse and transport accident, and stressed the need for collective efforts to reduce avoidable loss of life and burden of disease and disability in emergence along with post-crisis transitions.

Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under its 'Emergency Preparedness and Response Program' hosted the orientation titled "Health Facilities in Emergency" at the office of Director (Health).

World Health Organization (WHO) extended technical support to implement the programme.

Director (Disease Control) of DGHS Dr Moazzem Hossain addressed the session as the chief guest with Divisional Director of Health Dr Sirajul Islam in the chair.

In the technical session, Program Manager Dr Sadullah, WHO Program Officer Dr Kazi Akram, Assistant Professor of NIPSOM Zahidur Rahman and WHO Media Consultant Mahfuzur Rahman presented four keynote papers on different issues relating to disaster preparedness and management.

The main objectives of the orientation were to inform about the emergency preparedness activities in health and the role of the media in emergencies and WHO collaborative programme activities in Bangladesh.

Speakers underscored the need for visible and authoritative sources of public health information during the crisis situation and disseminate essential health advice and information.

In this context, they also said the media coverage should be objective with correct date or information from reliable and designated sources of the competent authority.

Making people aware of the real situation not for panicked and try to provide psychological support to the victims through reporting is widely expected by all, they added.