COVID-19

Story Ideas and Tips for Keeping Up with COVID-19

The World Health Organization no longer considers the COVID-19 pandemic a global health emergency, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a global health threat anymore. The global health toll is nearing seven million deaths, and new variants continue to emerge.

Reporting on Omicron? Here's What to Know.

As COVID-19 variants continue to emerge, it is crucial that journalists keep their readers informed with the most current, accurate information to help them make vital decisions.

The omicron variant, which surfaced in late 2021, is different from others in that there is still a lot we do not know about it, said Peter van Heusden, a bioinformatician at the South African National Bioinformatics Institute, during a recent ICFJ Global Health Crisis Reporting Forum webinar.
 

What to Know When Reporting on the Delta Variant

The global fight against COVID-19 is far from over. As the pandemic continues, the delta variant presents a new wave of challenges and further emphasizes the importance of redoubling efforts to combat the virus. 

If you are reporting on this more contagious variant’s impact on people around the world, Peter van Heusden, a bioinformatician at the South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), has some key suggestions for you. He spoke at a recent webinar hosted by the International Center for Journalists, titled “Reporting on the delta variant.”

Reporting on COVID-19 in Hard-Hit India

Despite the pressures that have accompanied reporting during the pandemic, journalists continue to produce important stories that keep the public informed. There remains, however, a critical need to implement structures and systems in India to protect journalists and enable them to do their jobs well, urged journalist Annie Philip, a member of the Network of Women in Media, India. 

Key Takeaways for Covering Obesity During COVID-19

People with obesity are suffering more and dying at higher rates from COVID-19, according to a report released by the World Obesity Federation in March. This makes obesity a high-risk factor, similar to other comorbidities such as diabetes and heart disease. 

How Journalists Are Helping Tell the Stories of Refugees Amid the Pandemic

Reporters in the International Center for Journalists’ (ICFJ) network have exposed sexual abuse of women refugees in Egypt, covered medicine shortages for migrants in Morroco, and reported on children exploited as beggars in Iraq during the pandemic. Their in-depth reports are part of a joint initiative with ICFJ and the Facebook Journalism Project supporting journalists as they shine a light on the experiences of refugees amid a global health crisis.

Tips for Reporting on Migration During the Pandemic

COVID-19 has resulted in devastating economic and health consequences for many people around the world — and especially the most vulnerable. 

Key Quotes: Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

A year after COVID-19 was declared a national emergency, vaccines have finally arrived, with the U.S. averaging 2 million vaccine doses administered per day. But the arrival of vaccines also brings an explosion of information — some of it untrue. Dr. Galit Alter, a professor of medicine and a group leader at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, spoke with Patrick Butler, ICFJ’s Vice President of Content and Community, about vaccines.

Paul Adepoju Joins as ICFJ Forum Manager to Help Fellow Journalists Hone Health Crisis Reporting Skills

I’m the new community manager for the English-language Forum. As I begin this journey, I’d like to share how I got here. Even though it has been in the making, COVID-19 certainly propelled things.

Equity in Vaccine Access and Distribution: Key Takeaways

As countries around the world roll out COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, equitable access to the vaccines is an issue front and center.