Fighting Propagation of Fake News:

CAMP Advocates Better Communication on Covid-19

By Ticha Melanis in Limbe

Members of CAMP with Limbe Journalists

In a bid to curb the spread of corona virus and influence the behavior of the population concerning the existence, prevention and treatment of the disease, the Cameroon Association of Media Professionals, CAMP, is carrying out an advocacy campaign for effective communication by journalists. The slogan of campaign is: “Kill Coro with Better Tori through Changing the Narratives.”

                CAMP believes that the outbreak of covid-19 has become the biggest story in the world, and it is still difficult to determine with exactitude the future and consequences of the infection. It is for this reason that the association organized a press conference on Friday 12 June 2020 to brainstorm and strategize with media professionals on how they can better inform the public especially giving the many myths that surround the pandemic.

                The aim is to change the narrative about coronavirus, moving away from a narrative which puts fear and panic in the minds of people, to that which encourages the population to get tested for the virus so as to know their status. CAMP also condemns stigmatization of patients and their relatives.

                The president of CAMP, Taryang Ebika Tabe, disclosed that the project, which will last for one month, will have four main activities going on simultaneously with different targets and audiences. He said they will set up a website and Facebook Page ‘to counter fake corona-related news, disinformation and misinformation.’ The page would be managed by certified fact checkers and journalists. 

                “The idea is to provide the right information to the public, especially online, since urban and rural populations, as well as displaced persons, now have access to online materials,” Taryang said.

                There will also be the production of Posters, Radio, Video Spots which will be sensitization materials to be used by community media broadcasters in local languages and more of demonstrations and less writings. He added that the Posters demonstrating how to prevent the Virus will be produced and distributed in local communities, churches, village meetings and market squares and Radio spots shall also be produced in local languages and Pidgin to be shared with community radios and networks of CSOs in local areas as well as internally displaced camps.

                The president of CAMASEJ Limbe chapter, Ebong Pende, appreciated the initiative of CAMP to change the narrative concerning the covid-19 pandemic. He implored journalist to do proper intelligence gathering and to strategize on how to make the project successful. 

                The Fako divisional delegate of communication, Olive Ejang, urged journalists to take the campaign serious and to always think out of the box when they are faced with such situations.

                It should be noted that in the process of reporting on the covid-19 pandemic, journalists face serious challenges including lack of protective kits, inappropriate means of transportation, misinformation, exposure to the virus and the risk of fueling panic in communities.

                Reason why CAMP launched an earlier project to ensure that Media Practitioners are safe and protected when they go out to report on the COVID-19.The campaign is tagged ‘COVID-19 Free Media Project #COVID19FreeMedia237 and embarked on partnering with local civil society organizations to provide Hand Washing points in Community Media Houses and donate hand sanitizers, Equipment Covers and Face Masks to journalists.