Within the catalogue of its 25th Anniversary Celebrations, Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme has recognised the media as a key partner in health research. On Friday September 9, 2022, MLW celebrated its fruitful relationship with the Malawi media through what was dubbed Editors’ Day. The event took place at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.

MLW’s researchers interacted with news editors and journalists from different media outlets with the aim of appreciating and deepening the understanding of each other’s work.

MLW’s Communications and Public Engagement Manager, Lindiwe Mafuleka said the meeting with editors was highly important and demonstrates the value that MLW places on its relationship with the media. “Most of the time we invite you the media to come listen to us but today we get an opportunity to hear from you and this for us is very important”, said Mafuleka.

Media trainer at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Science (MUBAS) Dr. Jolly Maxwell Ntaba said scientists should also invest their time to understand journalism for the relationship to thrive and benefit the country.

News editor at Kulinji.com Chisomo Ngulube thanked MLW for recognising and working with the media in its 25 years of improving health through health research.

Ngulube said; “I appeal to MLW to  consider providing trainings to editors in science and health research reporting as they do to journalists through the JIR platform. This will help in levelling the understanding of health issues between the reporter and news filters.”

During World Press Freedom Day each year, MLW also recognises excellent work in Health Research Reporting through Malawi’s Annual Media Awards organised by the Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) through its initative called Journalists in Residence.