UNICEF launches course in public health for journalists

A first-of-its-kind certificate course dealing with all aspects of Public Health Journalism and Communication was launched today by UNICEF India.
Critical Appraisal Skills (CASP) course is designed for media students and mid-career journalists, editors and government officials.
Framed by UNICEF India in collaboration with the University of Oxford and Thomson Reuters Foundation and the George Institute for Global Health, the course will be offered at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC).
"Media is a key and strategic partner for UNICEF and this initiative aims to enhance knowledge and skills of media students and journalists on all aspects related to Public Health reporting. We hope this will lead to even more informed coverage of health issues," Louis-Georges Arsenault, UNICEF India representative said.

The CASP course is currently being offered to public health professionals in UK.
"For India, this elaborate module is being also being adapted for media professionals, both budding and experienced, and government representatives, to suit their needs of critical appraisal in the country's health context," Dr Premila Webster, Training Programme Director at the Oxford School of Public Health said.
IIMC has streamlined the CASP course to suit their students of journalism. The course is a pilot for IIMC and will also be offered to government media officials in 2016.