Due to poor reporting on EC in the press, there is need for program managers to be able to respond to either negative statements or misinformation on EC.  Newspapers and other media are important tools for creating public awareness of EC, especially among decision-makers.  One can respond directly to news articles on EC by quickly drafting an editorial or letter to the editor.

Below is a short opinion piece that ECafrique recently published in a leading Kenyan newspaper, the Daily Nation.  We took advantage of the public interest created by a recent study on adolescent sexuality to promote awareness on EC.  Even though the study did not mention EC specifically, we used it as an entry point for discussing EC.  In the past, we have used a similar strategy to connect EC to news articles on sexual assault.

Morning after pill and youth protection: Daily Nation, March 8, 2007

Here are some examples on how to respond:

Original article:  Alarm over morning-after pill: Daily Nation, October 24, 2005
ECafrique response:  Writer missed the point on contraceptive pills: Daily Nation, November 23, 2005

Original article:  Dangerous games on in spite of the morning after pill: Daily Nation, January 10, 2005
ECafrique response: Morning-after pill quite useful: Daily Nation, January 27, 2005

Original article: Having fun with morning-after pills: Daily Nation, May 13, 2004 
ECafrique response: Teens and 'morning after pill': Daily Nation, June 22, 2006

To enable our members to counter such reports in their countries, we are in the final stages of developing a “rapid response” mechanism.  It contains generic information on EC that can be adapted for use throughout Africa, including fact sheets, talking points, and sample letter-to-the editor rebuttals.   Specific country information, such as legal status and availability, is also being prepared for select countries.  This kit will be available on our website, and disseminated to a set of media “watchdogs” across the continent. 

ECafrique can provide you with guidance on media relations.  Please contact us at ecafrique@pcnairobi.org if you would like help preparing responses for the press, or if you are looking for innovative ways to create public awareness on EC in your country.