The Malawi Medical Humanities Network (MedHum), hosted at MUST under the Bingu School of Culture and Heritage (BISCH), on December 16, held a symposium at MUST’s City Campus in Blantyre.

The symposium, held under the theme "Rethinking the Language of Science: Communication, Meaning, and Understanding in Malawi’s Healthcare System," brought together MUST staff and Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) students. 

Participants also included researchers from other public universities.

The main aim of the symposium was to highlight the strong connection between language, communication, and effective healthcare delivery in Malawi. 

Through research paper presentations, the event demonstrated how clear and culturally appropriate communication can improve public understanding of health information and strengthen the health system.

Speaking in an interview, Dr Atikonda Mtenje-Mkochi, the Co- Principal Investigator for the project and BISCH Executive Dean, emphasized the importance of the symposium in promoting use of language as a key tool in healthcare communication. 

She noted that effective communication helps bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and communities it serves.

Guest of Honour and Director of Research and Outreach at MUST, Professor Alfred Maluwa, commended the Malawi Medical Humanities Network for organizing the event. 

He said the symposium equips students and staff with critical skills to interpret and communicate scientific knowledge in ways that are meaningful and accessible, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare outcomes in Malawi.

“These participants will help shape more effective ways of communicating scientific knowledge in a manner that reflects our culture and strengthens the healthcare system,” said Professor Maluwa.

One of the notable presentations was delivered by Shadreck Mweso, a MUST alumnus, whose research paper, titled “Linguistic Strategies in the Framing of COVID-19 Health Protocols (2020–2022): Selected COVID-19-Themed Malawian Pop Songs,” highlighted the important role played by artists in spreading public health messages during the COVID-19 pandemic.