Media Guide: Avian Flu (H5N1)

This Media Guide, produced by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Malaysia, is intended to “help countries prepare communication tools and materials to mitigate and manage the risks of a disaster, to strengthen [a] community’s response skills and to promote positive life-saving behaviour.” According to the Guide, Malaysia’s success in preventing massive bird flu outbreaks can be attributed to the country’s ongoing efforts against the virus. By encouraging a continuum of media coverage, UNICEF hopes to engage the media as partners in accurately and responsibly reporting on avian influenza.

The Guide is divided into two parts:

Part 1 is entitled About the H5N1 Virus and Myth Busters and outlines facts about avian flu, information on the history and background of the virus, what precautions individuals can take to prevent infection and examines myths surrounding the virus.

Part 2, entitled Reporting Tips and Resources offers reporting tips and suggestions on possible pre-pandemic stories to write. It also includes a directory of resource people and a glossary of terms to aid in reporting.