COVID-19: Continuing to Cover the Global Health Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the COVID-19 pandemic no longer constitutes a global health emergency. However, this shift in terminology does not diminish the ongoing threat of COVID-19. With the global death toll inching closer to seven million and the emergence of new variants, the pandemic remains a critical global health issue. Journalists worldwide are encouraged to find innovative ways to report on this ongoing crisis.
Paul Adepoju, the community manager of ICFJ’s Global Crisis Reporting Forum, recently hosted a webinar discussing the current impact of COVID-19 and provided suggestions for journalists on how to keep their audiences informed.
Here are several strategies to help journalists navigate the evolving landscape of COVID-19 coverage.
Analyze Data
Beyond infection and casualty figures, journalists can explore datasets to investigate various aspects of the pandemic, such as vaccination efforts and travel restrictions. Open data sources like Our World in Data provide customizable and downloadable data for in-depth analysis. Data can reveal trends, provide context, and highlight gaps in coverage, especially when examining data specific to regions or countries.
Focus on Vaccination Programs
Investigating global vaccination programs can shed light on health equity issues. Resources like Gavi allow journalists to track vaccination rates in specific countries or regions over time. Reporters can explore factors affecting vaccination rates, including misinformation. Examining the effectiveness of pandemic containment measures and holding governments accountable for their promises can uncover valuable stories.
Monitor Current Trends and Be Prepared to Debunk Misinformation
Coverage of pandemic management and global health priorities, discussed at events like the United Nations General Assembly, can offer story ideas. Journalists can track the actions of international organizations involved in combating COVID-19. Social media searches can provide insights into public concerns about COVID-19. However, it is crucial to verify information from reliable sources, including health professionals, public health authorities, and government officials.
Explore Broader Health Impacts
COVID-19 has triggered various secondary health issues. Some countries suspended other health programs to prioritize pandemic responses. Journalists can investigate specific issues that worsened during COVID-19, such as domestic violence and unemployment, offering new avenues for reporting.
Money Talks—So Follow It
The financial dimension of COVID-19 presents numerous possibilities for journalistic coverage. Financial information concerning loans and projects is frequently accessible to the public. Reporters have the opportunity to scrutinize the loans acquired by nations during the pandemic, utilizing sources like the World Bank to gain a deeper understanding of how COVID-related initiatives are funded. Delving into the sources of countries' borrowing and the objectives of these loans can yield compelling stories that hold authorities accountable.
