Media engagement key toward social change, says LiveNet Media Consultant Matthews Mwanza
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By Derrick Sinjela – Zambian Children Young People and Women in Development (ZCYPWD)
Media plays critical role in positive cultural, political religious and social change, says Livenet Media Communications consultant Matthews Mwanza.
If no free smoking zones do not exist, the media has a responsibility to do so through sensitisation advised Mr. Mwanza.
Mwanza says influential people among them parliamentarian and politicians need to be engaged by highlighting challenges and ramifications of indiscriminate cultivation, marketing and consumption of cigarettes.
Mwanza says despite restrictions manifested by ‘tobacco is dangerous’ descriptions on cigarette packets, such obligation toward a smoke free society is overshadowed by profit targets by manufacturers of cigarettes.
“If less people are involved in smoking, then we shall have appropriate messages reaching Zambian communities,” said Mwanza.
Mwanza wants the Zambian media to raise the noise as many cigarette consumers remain susceptible to smoke.
Aside from medical practitioners, there is need to run an effective and aggressive media campaign.
Taking a precautionary tone Mwanza said as a short-term measure government benefit from taxes and profits from tobacco but long-term wise as smokers cope with cancer and a multiplicity of diseases, Zambia’s Ministry of Health will in due course pay through the nose to treat smokers.
