Webinar On-Demand: Communicating the Global Impact of U.S. Policies

In this CUGH virtual Global Health Week session, Pulitzer Center grantees Molly Knight Raskin, Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman, Joanne Cavanaugh Simpson, and Brian W. Simpson discuss their reporting on the global health impacts of cuts to U.S. foreign aid. Using their recent experiences covering cuts across different African communities, they explore how funding reductions are re-shaping healthcare systems and access to care. The journalists also reflect on how the issue is being covered in the media and share strategies for effectively communicating health and science in an era of mis- and disinformation. View the webinar recording to learn more about their perspectives on telling global health stories at this moment in history.

Highlights: 

• Molly Knight Raskin described meeting a group of women in Kenya who recently lost access to U.S. funding for AIDS relief. Many of them, she said, have “lost not only their security, but also their hope.” This experience gets to the heart of one of her core challenges as a journalist: “How do you document something that’s already gone?”
• Joanne Cavanaugh Simpson traveled to Uganda with Brian W. Simpson, where they observed that “women suffer the most.” She discussed the importance of choosing the right source to humanize the story, emphasizing that individual stories are often the most effective way to reach audiences.
• Raskin noted that global health has become political in new ways, and she urged attendees to be disciplined in how they earn trust. “Challenge your own assumptions,” she said. “Stick to the facts and be as scientific as possible.”
• Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman, who reported in his home base of Ghana, made the case for why scientists should talk to journalists: “We make it known to the world. We need to work together.” He emphasized that both professions share responsibility for the story: Scientists must get the comms right, and journalists must get the science right.
• When discussing how to cover polarized issues, each speaker offered a takeaway: Molly urged reporters to stick to the facts; Dini-Osman encouraged attendees to be more forward-looking and avoid competing narratives; Joanne recommended using human stories when possible; and Brian emphasized capturing reality with respect.
• To preach beyond the choir (or reach audiences outside your typical readership), all journalists suggested humanizing the story and thinking about your audience's needs. “That’s the best you can do,” Brian said. “You have to start with the assumption that there are some people you may never reach.”
• Ridwan wrapped up our event by sharing one thing he thought the U.S. needs to improve in its coverage of global health impacts: “More global perspectives.” Current media coverage focuses too much on the U.S., he said.