Global Issues

When Information Saves Lives

Engaging Local Media in Humanitarian Crises

CASE STUDY: Avian Flu—Southeast Asia

Sonny Inbaraj/Internews Journalists being trained by Internews on reporting on avian flu interview a chicken vendor in Ha Tay province, southwest of Vietnam's capital Hanoi.

"We have a moral and social responsibility through our media to save lives...Yes, avian flu is scary, but we can make a difference." — Internews journalist-trainee in Indonesia

THE NEED

As cases of the deadly new strain of H5N1, or avian flu, began spreading across Southeast Asia and beyond in 2005 and 2006, confusion, mistrust, and even panic began to grow along with the disease. Lacking a scientific background and in some cases fearful of contracting the virus themselves, many journalists in the region felt ill-equipped to cover this important story.

THE RESPONSE

To support journalists in their coverage of avian flu, Internews developed a journalism training program for Southeast Asia in 2006 to improve the technical skills needed to cover this complex and rapidly developing story in a scientifically accurate way. The program also trained journalists on safety precautions needed when covering “bird flu,” and provided access to accurate, up-to-date information in local languages. Internews also produced a trainer’s manual on how to conduct trainings on avian flu reporting.

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