Obtaining the Facts: Can media portrayal influence programmatic success?

Over the last 5 months, the media has portrayed Indonesia’s resistance to provide WHO with physical samples of the H5N1 virus as an insubordination in the fight avian influenza. I believe several well sited news articles have inaccurately portrayed the situation. Here are some facts journalists are omitting from their articles:

1. The Indonesian government stopped providing physical HPAI samples to WHO upon learning WHO was handing the samples over to CSL, a firm using the samples for vaccine development.
2. WHO did not request permission from the Indonesian government to hand samples over to CSL. In addition, WHO did not notify the Indonesian government of this exchange.
3. The Indonesian government did temporarily stop sending physical avian influenza samples to WHO.
4. The Indonesian government did not stop collecting HPAI materials. In fact, the Indonesian government continued sending viral genomic sequence data to Geneva (the location of WHO headquarters).
5. The government of Indonesia did make a deal with Baxter International because Baxter agreed to produce and deliver any vaccine it developed using Indonesian samples to the country under the terms provided by the government of Indonesia.

While I choose to ride the fence on this issue, I think it is important to know all the facts. Knowing the facts allows people to gain insight into motivational agendas.

How is this relevant to CARE’s work?
I draw attention to this situation because the manner in which the media presents information regarding the progression and management of the avian influenza situation may ultimately influence the success of programmatic response and control efforts. I also believe the media may influence the relationships CARE has with local governments. Do you agree?