Addis Ababa, – The Ministry of Health (MoH) said journalists have a central role to play in raising awareness and mobilize commitment for accelerated action towards reducing maternal and newborn mortality in the country.

Speaking at a Media Roundtable on “Safe Motherhood Month,” organized for journalists here yesterday, Ministry Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate Director General Dr. Keseteberhan Admasu, said media partners have indispensable role in minimizing the high rates of maternal mortality in the country.   

He said journalists need to have in-depth knowledge on issues regarding safe motherhood so as to disseminate messages, help citizens understand why mothers die during childbirth.   

Participants of the roundtable on their parts said maternal mortality is not an issue that usually attracts attention or makes the front page or prime time news, thus deterring the efforts being made to bring down maternal mortality.  

More than 50 journalists drawn from broadcast and print media as well as educational mass media agencies attended the roundtable, it was learnt. 

Source ..... WIC