Health and multihazard early warning systems in the media

Abstract

Aims: The media’s influence on public opinion and support for policy change, particularly concerning climate action and its intersection with public health, has gained significant attention. The media serves as a significant platform for delivering public health messages to the general population. This article explores the central role of media in shaping public understanding and support for mitigation and adaptation efforts, with a specific focus on its implications for public health advocacy. It does this by investigating how health and multihazard early warning systems (MHEWS) have been covered in newspaper articles worldwide. Methods: Through thematic content analysis, we examined how newspaper articles portray messages and use narrative techniques. The objective is to show differences in reporting strategies and understand the symbolic connotations linked to media discourse on health and MHEWS. Results: The analysis identified seven key themes in the media’s coverage of health and MHEWS. The themes cover strategies to reduce vulnerability to disasters, including health-related risks, governmental roles in policy implementation and resource allocation, international collaboration, community engagement, technological advancements, financial challenges, and health impacts and preparedness. They emphasise the importance of holistic approaches, local participation, and global cooperation in disaster risk reduction, adaptation, and resilience-building. Conclusions: The research highlights the potential of media advocacy in raising awareness about the complex links between health and climate-related hazards, as well as the media’s role in increasing support for planning and action. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges associated with the media to promote resilience and improve public health.