CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0. Introduction
This chapter synthesizes the key findings of the research, presents the conclusions drawn
from the findings, and offers recommendations for improving the role of print media,
specifically The Herald, in covering health crises like the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe.
Moreover, this chapter will also discuss suggestions for further research based on the gaps
identified during the study.
5.1. Summary of Key Findings
This dissertation aimed to critically examine the role of The Herald in disseminating
information and promoting public awareness about the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe, with a
specific focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the newspaper’s educational efforts,
investigating the correlation between its coverage and public perception, and identifying
obstacles faced in reporting health crises. The study implemented a mixed-methods approach,
combining quantitative content analysis and qualitative textual analysis to assess 40 news
stories published in The Herald between January 20, 2024, and May 30, 2024. This
methodology enabled a thorough examination of framing strategies, sourcing patterns, and
the impact on public understanding of the cholera outbreak.
The analysis revealed several key findings regarding The Herald’s coverage of the cholera
epidemic. The predominant framing strategies included “Cholera as a battle,” “Cholera as
donor dependent,” “Cholera as environmentally dependent,” and “Cholera as numbers,” each
crafting a unique narrative about the crisis. The newspaper’s coverage tended to emphasize
governmental actions and the role of external donors while downplaying the systemic issues
leading to cholera outbreaks and the urgency of community involvement in health
management. The reliance on elite sources such as government officials and NGOs resulted
in a top-down perspective in the reporting, limiting the inclusion of grassroots voices that
could provide critical insights into local conditions and challenges. Notably, the framing
strategies often obscured responsibilities, fostering public complacency and misperceptions
about the severity of the epidemic. Moreover, the findings indicated that while the paper had
the potential to inform and educate the public, its strategies often perpetuated cycles of
inaction and dependence on external aid rather than empowering communities to actively
engage in cholera prevention.
5.2. Conclusions
The findings of this study underscore the complex relationship between media framing and
public health communication. The Herald plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of
the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe, but its reliance on specific framing strategies can lead to
significant implications for public understanding and response. The emphasis on
governmental narratives, donor contributions, and casualty numbers often frame the cholera
crisis in a light that mitigates accountability for systemic failures and obscures the need for
proactive community engagement. Therefore, while the print media can serve as a vital
source of information during public health emergencies, its current practices may
inadvertently hinder efforts to address underlying issues contributing to cholera outbreaks.
The study also highlights that a more balanced approach to health reporting is necessary for
fostering effective public discourse on health crises. Thus, through presenting a
comprehensive view of the cholera epidemic including the roles of government
accountability, community empowerment, and systemic barriers media outlets like The
Herald can better inform the public and stimulate collective action. Ultimately, the results of
this research emphasize the responsibility of the media to offer not only accurate information
but also to challenge dominant narratives that may undermine public health efforts. This calls
for a reassessment of media strategies in health communication, advocating for coverage that
empowers individuals and communities to take informed action in response to health crises.
5.3. Recommendations
Based on this research’s findings, several recommendations for improving the role of print
media in public health communication during health crises are proposed:
The Herald should shift towards thematic framing that highlights collective responsibility
for health issues, emphasizing community engagement and government accountability.
This approach could foster a more informed public response and participation in health
prevention strategies.
To offer a more balanced perspective on public health crises, The Herald could
incorporate voices from grassroots health workers, affected community members, and
independent public health experts. This would provide a fuller picture of the crisis and
promote a more nuanced discussion.
The media outlet should prioritize health education by providing clear, actionable
information regarding cholera prevention, treatment options, and community resources.
This could empower citizens and reduce reliance on bureaucratic processes for health
information.
The Herald should invest in more investigative reporting to highlight systemic issues
impacting public health, including limitations in infrastructure, funding, and
governmental accountability, to encourage comprehensive public discourse.
5.4. Suggestions for Further Research
Future research should explore the following areas to build upon the findings of this study;
Research comparing the coverage of cholera and other public health issues in different
Zimbabwean media outlets could provide valuable insights into how ownership and editorial
policies influence health reporting. Conducting studies focused on audience reception of
cholera-related news coverage can enhance understanding of how different framing strategies
affect public perception and behaviours in response to health crises. An exploratory study
tracking changes in cholera awareness and public health behaviours over time, closely linked
to media coverage, could offer critical insights into the effectiveness of different reporting
strategies.
