By Adonis Byemelwa
The Tanzania Health Summit (THS)
hosted a vital event on July 17, 2024, at the Mwalimu Nyerere International
Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, attracting nearly all media companies
across the nation. The focus was on transforming science communication in
healthcare, aiming to create impactful narratives that resonate with the
public.
In collaboration with ResearchCOM, the
initiative aims to empower stakeholders and bridge the gap between complex
research findings and public understanding. participants engaged in dynamic
discussions about the need to translate intricate knowledge into relatable
stories that resonate with local communities, emphasizing the impact effective
communication can have on public health outcomes.
By fostering collaboration and trust
among stakeholders, the event set the stage for meaningful change in how health
information is disseminated and consumed.
Dr. Mgomella, representing the
stakeholders, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “It’s a
great opportunity for us to engage carefully with the media.” He highlighted
the need for a collaborative approach to build trust between media
professionals and program managers or researchers.
The discussions highlighted a
pervasive fear among stakeholders regarding media engagement, often leading to
hesitancy in sharing crucial health information. Dr. Syriacus Buguzi, a Science
Journalist and CEO of ResearchCom emphasized the importance of moving away from
vague scientific jargon.
“We must use simpler, more accessible language
to ensure our communication is impactful and understood,” he stated. He noted
that the synergy between journalists and medical scientists is vital for
fostering a clear understanding of new findings among the target audience.
A central theme of the event was the
need to understand who the consumers of research are and how best to
communicate with them. One critical insight shared was the necessity to
research because many people in Tanzania do not engage with reading.
“What can we do to cure this disease of
disinterest in reading?” one participant asked, underscoring the importance of
fostering a culture of readership to ensure that health stories reach their
intended audience.
The conversation also stressed the
relevance of relatability in storytelling. Participants discussed how human-interest
stories with a personal touch can create stronger connections with the public.
“What anticipation does the story bring?” asked one speaker, highlighting the
need for narratives that engage and inspire. The focus is on crafting stories
that not only inform but also resonate with people's lives.
Sammy Awamy, another key figure at the
summit, pointed out the high expectations from the media. “International media
are very picky; we need to ask ourselves why people in other countries should
care about our stories,” he said. Awamy emphasized that if experts fail to
communicate effectively, they inadvertently create space for misinformation to
thrive.
“This country needs partnerships, and
health stories are of immense interest. Where are the stories that truly touch
the lives of people?” he asked, expressing hope for impactful future
collaborations.
The event featured insights from
experienced journalists, including Henry Mwangonde, who shared the challenges
faced when reporting scientific findings.
He recounted a previous event where
critical jargon hindered effective communication, making it difficult for
reporters to convey important information. “I had to seek clarification from a
colleague to understand the nuances of the report,” Mwangonde noted,
illustrating the need for researchers to simplify complex terms for better
media coverage.
Adonis Byemelwa, a senior reporter
from Pan African Visions, highlighted the urgent need to confront the
issue of declining readership. “Investing in fostering a culture of reading is
crucial. If we fail to address this challenge, the valuable data we share will
struggle to reach our intended audience,” he warned, underlining the importance
of engaging the public to ensure that vital health information is effectively
communicated and understood.
He pointed out that jargon remains a
significant barrier, even in court reporting, and urged news outlets to create
impactful stories that reignite interest in reading.
As the summit concluded, the
participants left with a renewed commitment to improving science communication
in Tanzania. The collaboration between ResearchCOM and THS aims to foster a
culture where health stories are not just reported but are engaging, informative,
and accessible to all.
By nurturing trust between researchers and the
media and focusing on relatable narratives, stakeholders are optimistic that
this initiative will have a lasting impact on public health discourse in the
country.
With the promise of future
partnerships, including an upcoming youth congress in Zanzibar with PEPFAR and
the CDC, the foundation is being laid for a healthier and more informed
society. As Dr. Mgomella summarized, “We will be careful about how we engage
with the media moving forward, ensuring that our stories truly resonate with
the people.”