To enhance the communication of genomics information and broaden its understanding, the Policy Unit at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW) organized an interactive training workshop. The event, held at Linde Motel in Dowa from September 18th to 20th, 2023, was a vital component of the ongoing Building Community Understanding and Communication on-Genomics (BCUC) project. This project seeks to build capacity among information disseminators to effectively comprehend and communicate genomics data and information.

The training workshop took a participatory approach through practical exercises and brainstorming sessions. Participants were taken through three main modules which are: Knowledge and Interpretation of Genomics information, Finding and Packaging Genomics information and Communication of Genomics information.

“Science literacy is not just about science content knowledge, but what a person does with that knowledge.” Elias Phiri quoted Jenny Dauer, a professor in Science Literacy at the University of Nebraska, in his opening remarks and went on to encourage the participants, who included journalists, science teachers from secondary schools, community health personnels among others, to think beyond genomics and use the knowledge and skills they were to gain in other complex science information they encounter in their day-to-day work.

one of the participants, Desiderata Nkhoma, a health economist by profession, said that the training had indeed delivered on its purpose and that she found it useful.

“The training was an eye opener for me as a Health Economist. I have learnt so much about genomics and much more about how I can simplify the various information to explain to non-science audiences.”  Nkhoma said.

Another participant echoed similar sentiments saying that as journalists they aim to give information that is easier for the audience to understand but this is never easy when it comes to communicating complex science information. He then said the training was helpful.

Dr. Colins Mitambo, Director for the Directorate of Research in the Ministry of Health said that while the government has been investing in research, there has still been a gap in communicating about research in a way that people can understand hence the training is highly relevant.

To ensure continual development and putting theory into practice beyond the training the participants will be further engaged through a mentorship program. The mentorship program has been structured to have online sessions and ongoing assessments for the next four months with each trainee choosing an area of interest to be mentored on.