Promoting sensitivity for Media Reporting on Mental Health
As programming for Milkar starts rolling out, a groundbreaking training session, "Ethical Principles for Media Reporting on Mental Health," was recently conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, by Dr. Taha Sabri from Taskeen Health Initiative and Sanaa Ahmed from the British Asian Trust for reporters and journalists at the GEO/Jang Group. This training represents a first-of-its-kind initiative in Pakistan aimed at equipping media professionals with the skills and sensitivity to report on mental health ethically and responsibly.
In Pakistan, where mental health remains stigmatised and misunderstood, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception. Inaccurate or insensitive reporting can reinforce harmful stereotypes, while responsible coverage can help foster understanding and empathy. Recognising this, the training was tailored to equip media personnel, specifically from GEO Television and the Jang Group, with the knowledge and skills necessary for accurate and compassionate reporting on mental health issues and based on the recommendations of the Lancet Commission on Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health.
The training also served as an essential capacity-building exercise in support of Milkar, a nationwide mental health stigma reduction campaign targeting 75% of the households in Pakistan. Led by the British Asian Trust and the Mir Khalil-Ur-Rahman Foundation in collaboration with the Pakistan Mental Health Coalition, Milkar aims to spark a meaningful dialogue around mental health issues across Pakistan. Through the campaign, media professionals will be better positioned to share stories and insights that de-stigmatize mental health and encourage people to seek support.
This initiative marks a significant progress toward normalising mental health discussions in Pakistan, where such efforts are crucial for reducing stigma and encouraging compassion. By empowering media personnel to report sensitively on mental health, the training aims to create a ripple effect that extends to the wider community, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and understanding society that gives mental health the importance it deserves.
Dr Taha Sabri
Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Taskeen Health Initiative
