Tanzania Health Summit Unites Media and Stakeholders to Transform Science Communication

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.”