Bridging the gap between mass media journalists and health research scientists in Tanzania

Abstract

One of the core functions of any research Institution is to carry out research and promote utilization of research findings. Although the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) prides itself for tremendous achievements in both basic and operational researches, much has not been done as far as information dissemination is concerned. To-date, only a small portion of such information has found its way to the Tanzanian audience. This has been very much attributed to lack of proper mechanism to synthesize and disseminate scientific knowledge/information to the majority of the population. Realizing this gap in knowledge and information, NIMR has developed a forum that brings together mass media journalists and research scientists to share and discuss new research findings and synthesize the information in a user-friendly format that can be utilized by the general population. This paper gives highlights on the initiatives by NIMR geared towards regular provision of health research findings to the public through mass media. The challenges and way forward are discussed in line with the current health sector reforms taking place in the country.