Pay attention to neglected diseases

“If fighting NTDs is so obvious and so cheap, why has it taken so long to act in a systematic way?” This article in Scientific American asks.

Well, as pointed out on the Bad Word List recently, calling them “NTDs” doesn’t help. These are illlnesses that have widespread and devastating impacts, affecting nearly all of those living in poverty in developing countries  and — although they are preventable and treatable — lingering for years.

The impression that these illnesses “debililatate, more than they kill” is one reason they have been neglected, according to the article. But the characterization is not strictly accurate, when you look at the impact of debilitating ill health on income, maternal and child health and social strength — all of which do directly affect the course of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

If you want to be a well-rounded health reporter, one who looks at the importance of strengthening awareness and response to all health problems, so they can be approached as a whole — consider an article on the impact of neglected tropical diseases in your coverage area. And don’t call them “NTDs”

A  success story, a hook . . .
Proving the payoff of coordinated efforts, awareness, and determination, Zambia, once again, is a star in summary findings of the latest World Health Organisation report on malaria-fighting efforts. A link to the report is on the National Malaria Control Center Web site, and it would be nice to look for local stories of what is working here, with the report as a hook. See the item below for why this would be a good time to come up with an interesting, informative multi-source story on malaria  . . .

A contest . . .
3rd ANNUAL MEDIA
AWARDS FOR BEST
COVERAGE OF MALARIA

The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Media Award Competition for Best Coverage of Malaria by Zambian journalists and media practitioners.  Deadline for submissions is 15 January 2010.  Winners will be recognized at a venue and date to be announced.

Categories:  Print media, Photo-journalism, Radio and Television

Eligibility:  The competition is open to all journalists and media practitioners working either for established media organisations or as freelancers.

Time frame:  Entries should have been published or broadcast in Zambia between January and December 2009.

Prizes:  To be announced.

Criteria:  Entries will be judged on the basis of their originality and understanding of malaria as a disease, as well as the diagnostic, treatment, prevention and control measures initiated by the Ministry of Health. Editorial products will not be considered. Entries should reflect creativity, factuality, accuracy and a reliance on multiple sources. Only one entry per individual.

Means of submission:  Entries must be in the form of original newspaper clipping for print media entries, cassettes or CDs for radio entries, DVDs or VHS tapes for television, and printed or digital (CD) pictures for photo-journalism entries. Proof of authorship will be required.

Where to send entries:  Submissions should be sent by post or delivered in person to:

Malaria Media Award Competition
c/o National Malaria Control Centre
Chainama Hill Hospital Grounds, Great East Road
P.O. Box 32509
Lusaka, Zambia

Deadline:  17:00 hours on 15 January 2010.

For more information:  Please send any questions to info@nmcc.org.zm or call 282455.

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