On 25 August 2023, MLW’s Communications and Public Engagement Department conducted the first Journalists In Residence Training in 2023 to fill in the gap between health research and journalism by equipping journalists with relevant information and knowledge on how best to report on matters involving health research.

In his presentation, lecturer at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences Dr. Jolly Ntaba said that for the objectives of JIR to come to life there is a need for health researchers to be trained in the way of journalism too.

“For this relationship to bear fruits and for effectiveness, besides training journalists to know the way of health research, health researchers must also be trained to understand the nature of journalism. This will ensure mutual benefit and coordination between the parties and ensure that the gap that is there is being filled over time,” said Ntaba.

Commenting on Ntaba’s plea, The Nation Publication Limited’s Lloyd Chitsulo highlighted that if health researchers understand the urgency of journalism, journalists would be saved from misinformation among others.

Journalists who attended the training were also heard presentations from the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation chief editor Frank Kapesa and The Nation Publications Limited Online editor Sellina Kainja, who presented on science reporting and facts verification, among others.