Turning NCD Science into Stories People Actually Read

A group of health journalists explored how to transform complex evidence on non-communicable diseases into clear, accurate, and engaging public-interest stories during a practical working session held on 17 July 2026 in Prishtina.

Led by Prof. Suzanne Suggs, the session focused on the gap between scientific knowledge and the way health information reaches the public. Discussions involved why technically correct stories may still fail to connect with readers, particularly when they rely heavily on statistics, medical terminology, policy language, and institutional jargon.

Through practical examples, journalists examined how to simplify studies and expert language without losing meaning, identify the human angle behind NCD topics, and avoid common reporting traps.

The session also included a hands-on exercise in which participants rewrote a technical press release into a public-facing news feature, followed by group review and editorial feedback from Prof. Suggs.

The workshop aimed to equip journalists with practical tools for producing health stories that are trustworthy for experts, understandable for citizens, and compelling enough to be read.