U.S. Embassy Organizes International Workshop on Pandemic Influenza for Journalists

John S. Creamer, U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., gives closing remarks

The U.S. Embassy, in partnership with the Ministry of Health of Bolivia and the Pan-American Health Organization, held a workshop on pandemic influenza for journalists from Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia in Cochabamba on November 9 and 10. The workshop brought together journalists, government officials, and health experts with the objective of creating a space of healthy discussion and analysis of the shared responsibilities of sources of information and journalists, especially in dealing with disease outbreaks or a pandemics. Influenza A(H1N1)  and Avian Flu served as study cases to 

U.S. Embassy Information Officer Todd Miyahira (left) exchanges ideas with workshop participants

emphasize the importance of balanced and accurate public health messages to ease the burden of a disease on vulnerable health systems.

Vice Minister of Health and Sports Dr. Raul Alberto Vidal Aranda opened the conference by talking about the Bolivian Government's successful program to deal with A(H1N1). Chargé d'Affairs of the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia John S. Creamer closed the conference focusing on the important role that the press plays in informing the public.