The Association of Science Journalists of Guinea organised a three days training on "the basic notions of science journalism", at the headquarters of the Union des Radios et Télévisions Libres de Guinée.
From 7th to 9th May 2018, nearly 20 journalists were introduced to the "basic concepts of science journalism", the role of science journalists in times of health crisis and the treatment of subjects related to infectious diseases.
Investigation is the motto
The trainers Jean Traoré, communication officer at the Agence Nationale de la Sécurité Sanitaire (ANSS), and Tamba Jacques Millimouno, from the ANSS surveillance department, were explicit in their different presentations. The first trainer challenged much science journalists to make their characters prevail. "The character of the science journalist is investigation in rigour," he said.
The second stressed that the processing of information about infectious diseases should not be too quick. "In epidemiology, we don't just hear, we search, we check and we watch, he explained. All information is processed through accurate data."
No development without health
At the end of the training, Hassatou Lamarana Bah, director of publication of the website actualitefeminine.com plans to deal soon with scientific news. "Indeed, I intend to go into science journalism. While I'm interested in health, because without health, there is no development," she said.
Success of the training
In addition, the end of the training was sanctioned by the presentation of certificates to participants. "Really, it's a successful training. And I hope that all those who participated will make good use of what was given as teaching," enthuses Alpha Oumar Bagou Barry, president of the AJSG. We will multiply this kind of training to have a scientific and professional press in Guinea. »
Amadou DIALLO
This paper has been published in French on AJSG-Universciences