In March 2007, The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section sent Mr. Charles -André Soumah, a journalist at RTG, to participate in a VOA Avian flu workshop in Dakar, Senegal with other media professionals to learn about the virus and to explore the role the media can play in helping to prevent its spread.
On Monday, October 29, 2007, Mr. Soumah summarized his experience to fellow journalists in a presentation in the U.S. Multi-Purpose Conference Room. Participants included journalists from national radio (especially speakers in major local languages) private radios, and independent major newspapers. He also enlisted the aid of Dr. Sori Sylla from the National Direction of Animal Husbandry, an expert in avian influenza and a key member of the inter-ministerial committee on bird flu. Dr. Sori spoke at length about the source and nature of the virus. The doctor then detailed the program implemented in Guinea to prevent a pandemic outbreak. During a long session of question and answer, Dr. Sylla responded to more in depth questions from the journalists.
Some of the questions centered on the prevention techniques in Guinea. Guinea has created an inter-ministerial committee which concentrates on anticipation and deterrence. Members of the committee have been trained and outfitted with equipment from several international agencies including USAID. Specialized groups trained and equipped by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry (Ministère de l’Elevage) are stationed in the border regions and are in charge of preventing the import of infected poultry or poultry products. Guinea collaborates closely with neighboring countries to exchange information, experience, and areas of concern.
Other questions settled on the media’s participation and the flow of information to the public. Dr. Sylla promised to share information with the media when it became available. The media will receive extensive documentation on avian flu through Charles-André Soumah who works with the inter-ministerial committee. In collaboration with partners like USAID, the government is implementing a program to train the media on its role and to give them the means to meet their responsibility.
The group walked away with a broader understanding of Avian Influenza and the documentation to help them inform the public, a key role of the media.
