Newspapers’ coverage of contaminated intravenous fluids from an Indian manufacturer distributed by Public Central Medical Supplies in Sudan: Lessons to be learned

ObjectivesThis study aims to answer the question whether or not newspapers have a role in decision-making process in non-democratic settings.MethodThis cross-sectional study has reviewed newspapers’ articles published in Sudan about the questioned quality of intravenous fluid imported by Sudan Central Medical Supplies Public Corporation. It covered the period from 17 January 1999 to 8 October 2007. A total number of 310 articles published in 18 newspapers about the topic was retrieved.ResultsOf the total number, 165 (53.2%) articles were against the selling of the suspiciously contaminated intravenous fluids from Core Parentral (the Indian manufacturer of the products). The remaining 143 (46.1%) articles are in favor of selling such fluids.ConclusionHealth authorities need to have good communication with media. The incident has proven that the lack of this communication is harmful both for the health authorities and for the population.