12 October 2021
Launch of a policy paper on enhancing access to health information in the Middle East
Maharat Foundation and EuroHealthNet are pleased to invite you to launch a policy paper on enhancing access to health information in the Middle East, on October 18 at 3:00 p.m. Beirut time, via zoom platform.
The paper follows a series of meetings held by Maharat in collaboration with EuroHealthNet, a European network of European public health actors, as part of the EU-funded Regional Programme for Medium Dialogue for Rights and Equality, which included journalists, representatives of governments, NGOs and civil society actors.
The paper presents the link between media, public health and equality and contains recommendations and suggestions for three groups of decision makers, journalists, the media, NGOs, and civil society actors. These recommendations were drawn from participants in previous sessions to combat misinformation related to health information, to ensure effective communication, particularly access to marginalized groups, to protect national and public health security while respecting civil rights and to support the role of the media in covering issues related to health epidemics.
The meeting will discuss the recommendations and key messages that have been drawn up and the announcement of the launch of a policy paper campaign, in which emphasis is placed on ensuring citizens' fundamental right to access public health information, so that they can make informed decisions about their health and well-being, particularly in times of health crises, and the need to enact laws that protect and enhance access to information when dealing with health issues while involving journalists and civil society, who play a key role in efforts to exchange accurate information with the public and hold governments accountable.
To attend the session, please click on the link
