Enhancing Access to Health Information in the Middle East

This policy brief was conducted by the Maharat Foundation in collaboration with EuroHealthNet, as well as considering inputs from journalists, government representatives and civil society organisations. The brief stresses the link between public information, public health, and inequality and presents recommendations for three main stakeholders, including journalists and the media, policy makers and civil society organisations.

Key Messages include:

• Policy makers should ensure citizens’ fundamental right to access to public health information so that they can make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing, particularly in times of health crisis.
• Policy makers should adopt COVID-19 mitigation measures in line with current international standards, and enact laws that protect and promote access to information when dealing with health issues.
• Policy makers should provide quality health services and enhance public communication regarding health measures and services, with a particular focus on reaching disadvantaged groups.
• Journalists, civil society and scientists must play a key role in efforts to share accurate information with the public and hold governments accountable

Read the full paper (in English) here. 

Read the full paper (in Arabic) here.