Roundtable Highlights Power of Reporting Angle in Health Journalism
On 17 September 2025, the Integrated Health Services Project (IHS) in partnership with the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK) organized the roundtable “The Power of the Reporting Angle”. The event brought together journalists, institutional representatives, and health experts to examine how responsible media coverage can amplify patient voices and promote public awareness on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Opening remarks were delivered by Gjylferije Zabeli, Head of Public Communication Division at the Ministry of Health, Getoarbë Mulliqi, Executive Director of AGK; and Linda Baleta, Senior Advocacy Officer at HIS. Speakers underscored the importance of media as an ally in advancing patient rights and strengthening trust in the healthcare system.
The program featured “Journalists Speak, Patients Get Heard” collage of stories that illustrate the tangible impact of health reporting on citizen awareness, presented by Merita Miftari, journalist. A panel discussion on “Framing the Patient Voice and Perspective in Journalism” brought together journalists Arbreshë Uka, Albina Selmanaj, and Qëndresë Uka-Matoshi, alongside Dr. Faik Hoti from the National Institute of Public Health and Mark Kaqinari from the Ombudsperson Institution. Moderated by AGK Board Chair Xhemajl Rexha, the discussion highlighted challenges journalists face in covering health issues and stressed the need for closer collaboration with institutions and development projects.
Participants also engaged in a reflection session to identify next steps, emphasizing media’s role in fostering positive, responsible health journalism. The roundtable builds on previous training and story-publication efforts that have strengthened the capacities of over 70 journalists, contributed to greater public awareness, and introduced the country’s first awards for reporting on diabetes.