With less than a month to go, anticipation is building towards the Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication Symposium (ABBC2025) set to take place in Lusaka, Zambia, from August 26 – 28. This year’s symposium comes at a critical time – when the spread of misinformation and disinformation continues to undermine science, threaten public health and derail progress on climate and food security. ABBC2025 brings together a wide range of stakeholders to explore how effective communication can become a powerful tool for promoting planetary health and resilient livelihoods across Africa.
To understand the stakes and expectations, we speak with Prof. Musso Munyeme – Zambia’s One Health expert and a key member of the ABBC 2025 organizing committee – on why this year’s symposium matters more than ever.
- Misinformation and disinformation are major barriers to the uptake of bioscience innovations in health and agriculture? How will ABBC 2025 symposium address this challenge?
Misinformation and disinformation distort scientific facts, erode public trust, undermine evidence-based policymaking and fuel misinfodemics that threaten livelihoods and national development. Africa, in particular, has suffered substantial economic and social losses due to widespread misinformation – missing out on opportunities to improve health outcomes and advance agricultural productivity. ABBC 2025 aims to confront this challenge head-on by convening scientists, policymakers, communicators and innovators to develop practical, cross-sectoral communication strategies. The goal is to equip stakeholders with the tools, networks and insights needed to counter misinformation and promote informed, science-based decision-making across the continent.
- How have misinformation and disinformation impeded health interventions in Africa?
At the local level, we have seen how misinformation around diseases like anthrax can create fear and confusion. But on a global scale, COVID-19 offers a powerful case study that everyone can relate to. During the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly. False claims about vaccines circulated widely – from conspiracy theories that vaccines contained microchips to wild claims that 5G technology caused COVID-19, or that the vaccines would lead to infertility, cancer or strokes. In countries like Zambia, disinformation campaign significantly undermined public confidence in vaccines. As a result, many people hesitated or outright refused to get vaccinated.
Then came the Omicron wave. I remember it vividly from my time at the University of Zambia – it was devastating. We lost many colleagues. The healthcare system was overwhelmed, and fear turned into tragedy. People began asking, “was it worth rejecting the vaccine?”
When vaccines like Johnson and Johnson finally became available, the reality of the crisis had hit home. People who once doubted lined up in droves desperate to get vaccinated. But by then, the damage had been done.
This is what we call the lag effect – the critical delay between the onset of a health threat and the necessary public health response. Misinformation created that delay. It disrupted mitigation efforts, amplified fear and ultimately cost lives. The COVID-19 experience powerfully illustrates how disinformation can derail public health responses.
- How can ABBC 2025 symposium promote cross-sectorial collaboration through a One Health lens?
The ABBC 2025 symposium provides a timely and strategic platform for promoting cross-sectoral collaboration. At its core, the symposium seeks to identify and amplify best practices in science communication, particularly in addressing misinformation and promoting planetary health.
One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health, requiring a multi-sectoral, multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder and multi-level approach. ABBC 2025 embodies this by bringing together professionals from diverse fields – including public health, agriculture, academia, media and policy – to engage in collaborative dialogue and joint action.
- What makes ABBC 2025 a must-attend for scientists, policy makers, industry players, communicators and other change-makers across Africa and beyond??
Delegates at ABBC 2025 will engage in interactive sessions and deeper enriching conversation on combating misinformation and disinformation on One Health and food systems. The symposium offers a rare opportunity to interact directly with top scientists, policymakers and investors. With its diverse and multi-sectoral delegation, ABBC 2025 promises rich, cross-cutting perspectives and enduring collaborations. ABBC 2025 is the launchpad for sustained, strategic science communication across Africa and the world.
- Beyond the rich discussions at ABBC 2025, Lusaka, the host city of the symposium, offers a unique cultural and historical backdrop. What are some of the key attractions or experiences attendees can look forward to in this city?
Lusaka – the heart of Zambia – boasts of its vibrant culture, wildlife and hospitality. Lusaka offers unforgettable experiences just minutes from the conference venue. Nature lovers will be delighted by Lusaka National Park, a rare gem nestled right within the city, where you can encounter diverse wildlife in a serene setting. For an even more immersive safari experience, Chaminuka Game Reserve and Langani Safari in Chisamba, just 40km away, offer up-close views of elephants, rhinos and more.
Symposium delegates can also visit Urban Masai, a popular joint known for its lively evening vibe and sizzling nyama choma, plus a rich mix of East African cuisines. It sits just 1.8 kilometers from the symposium venue. For authentic souvenirs and cultural feel, Kabwata Cultural Village is a must-visit. Here, you will find handcrafted artifacts, traditional fabrics and unique keepsakes that capture the spirit of Zambia.
Lusaka offers a taste of cosmopolitan life. From modern shopping malls reminiscent of South Africa’s cityscapes to restaurants like Okavango, offering smoked African delicacies, the culinary and retail scenes are as diverse as the people.