Today, Ifakara Health Institute held a national briefing for a group of health journalists from local media organizations. The meeting took place in Dar es Salaam focusing on how best to communicate science to the people.

The meeting was also an opportunity for Ifakara to strengthen a working relationship with media outlets, particularly journalists covering health topics. Both parties conversed about the various available options for working together with the aim of helping the Institute achieve its core value of ‘Transparency’.

A group of 15 health journalists and editors from 15 media outlets participated in the one-day event with the Ifakara communication team led by the Head of Knowledge Management & Communications, Mr. Bilal Aziz, also in attendance.

“Cementing a relationship with the media is important as Ifakara will be able to coordinate directly with media outlets – ensuring the Institute’s scientific work and results including events and other activities are covered and reported effectively across the media,” said Mr. Bilal during the briefing session. 

Also, in attendance was Ifakara’s Chief Executive Director, Dr. Honorati Masanaja. As the Chief guest, Dr. Masanja officiated the briefing whereby his opening remarks mainly reflected on the Institute’s core value of Transparency – by engaging confidently and effectively to share scientific work, results or information.

“Today, we have so many mediums of communication which simplify how we can communicate. However, with these innovations, we also ought to be careful to convey information whose context showcases the right image of an institute, organization or business,” Dr. Masanja told the participants during his opening remarks.

As a vibrant Institute with a great impact on society, Ifakara needs media houses to play a role when it comes to sharing information with the public. Last year, the Institute held another media briefing at Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre – one of Ifakara’s three branch offices located in Bagamoyo. There are plans to conduct similar briefings with health journalists’ groups throughout the year.