An opinion published by the Star kicked off a debate on what’s wrong with naming victims of Covid-19.
Titled, “Why disclosing Covid-19 patients doesn’t meet legal and moral threshold,” the April 4 story by Duncan Ondimu said that naming those who contract the deadly virus or succumb to it is important for saving lives, because people who came into contact with the victims can then be tracked.
However, the story questioned the basis for this. It does not meet the legal threshold, the story argued. The ethics on the matter is also problematic.
Globally, the Hippocratic oath protects patient-doctor relationships, preventing the disclosure of patient information without their authorisation.
In journalism, too, the do-no-harm mantra throws a blanket protection over “victims” and “innocents” of every hue.
Now, international media has been naming public figures and public officials who contract coronavirus.
The New York Times and Aljazeera published on March 31 and April 6, respectively, names of celebrities, athletes and politicians who have tested positive for the virus. The Times keeps updating their list online.
Some prominent names on the list so far: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Prince Charles, heir to the British throne and US Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul; actors Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson and Idris Elba; CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, etc.
Public figures and public officials are newsworthy. Moreover, the people named announced to the world their conditions.
However, Kenyan media has been naming practically every Covid-19 victim, with or without their approval, we’re not told; and whether their names are Wanjiku or not.
When did this become okay?
A debate would be valid. This debate should be both internal (within the media industry) and public.
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The Star, March 26: In a story titled, “State announces strict guidelines on quarantine facilities,” the Star said the country has 75 “places” for quarantine. Great! This is critical information that citizens need to know. So, where are these 75 facilities? Or at least some of them? The Star didn’t to say.
Daily Nation, March 22: In a story titled, “Covid-19: WHO says Africa should ‘prepare for the worst’.” Figures on infections and deaths were rattled off without attribution. The Nation is not alone on this. Both broadcast and print media are flooding the news space with figures without clear information on source.
Attribution gives credit to hard-working journalists who did the original work. And it tells the audience – “you can trust this!”
