Media asked to lead fight against infertility stigmatization

The Media has been called upon to take a leading role in the fight against stigma relating to infertility.

Speaking at a three day media training in Lusaka today, Ministry of Health Spokesperson Dr. Abel Kabalo notes that there is still high levels of stigma relating to infertility due to cultural beliefs.

Dr. Kabalo says there is need for the media to help bring out the scientific reasoning regarding fertility.

He further notes the need for men to take a leading role in fighting stigma around infertility as women are mostly blamed for the situation in a family.

He states that the ministry of health is taking a paradigm with regards the issue of infertility and stigma around it and that the media training is one such initiative.

The media training has been organized by the Merck Foundation of India in partnership with the ministry of health.

And making a presentation on how best the media can report on fertility and help in fighting stigma associated with infertility, Veteran Journalist Hicks Sikazwe

Says the critical role the media can play in the fight against stigma associated with infertility cannot be overemphasized.

Mr Sikazwe has since advised the media to be accurate, impartial, fair and apply confidentially as they report on health issues especially regarding infertility.