ABBC 2025 calls for evidence-based policies

Senior policymakers and scientists at the Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication (ABBC) 2025 Symposium have urged governments to anchor science decisions in evidence-based policies and to communicate research findings in clear, simple language to prevent misinformation from undermining public trust.

National Biosafety Authority Head of Standards and Technical Liaison Christopher Simuntala has emphasized that even in the face of misinformation and disinformation, governments must give firm direction on science policy.

“Decision-making informs policy, and policy informs the law,” said Mr. Simuntala, a qualified medical scientist. “When decisions come from evidence-based science, they must have a strong foundation to support sound legislation.

Even the mathematical models used to guide these decisions must be handled properly to ensure accuracy.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the symposium, Mr. Simuntala has stated that high-level policymakers were targeted in discussions because they shape national direction.

“If policymakers understand clearly why policies are important, we know there will be direction for the country, and evidence-based applications will impact the environment without being distorted by misinformation or disinformation,” he said.

And Tanzanian paramedic, Member of Parliament, and Secretary on Antimicrobial Resistance Dr. Christina Mzafa stressed the need for scientists to communicate research findings in ways ordinary people can understand.

“We have many researchers in Tanzania, but many citizens are illiterate and don’t know what the scientists have done,” Dr. Mzafa said. “After research is completed, scientists must disseminate information timely, correctly, and in simple language.

When they use robotic, complex terminology, local communities cannot understand. That is how misinformation spreads, even on life-saving issues like vaccines. People may wrongly believe a vaccine causes infertility simply because no one explained the facts in a way they understand.”She said.

She has called on African governments to continue investing in research and to ensure results are returned to communities in clear, accessible terms.

“No research means no right to speak on issues. But once research is done, its results must reach the consumers the people in simple language,” she said.

And Jacqueling Kainja, Member of Parliament from Tanzania’s Tabora Region and a member of the Antimicrobial Resistance Committee, has also urged scientists to simplify their communication.

“I am honored to participate in ABBC and learn lessons that we can take back to our country,” Ms. Kainja said. “One key issue is the need for scientific information to be presented in a way citizens can easily understand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people refused vaccination because the information provided was too technical and inaccessible.

Scientists did not explain it in simple language, so people were left confused or misled.”

As a legislator, Ms. Kainja said her role is to advise government and urge scientists to break down their findings.

“We must ensure that scientific information is easy for citizens to grasp, so they can make informed choices rather than being misled by rumors,” she added.

The ABBC 2025 Symposium brought together policymakers, legislators, and biosciences experts from across Africa to strengthen dialogue on science, policy, and public understanding.

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