Authors

H Bialic¹; W Adamson¹; A MacLeod²; N Veitch³; T Meehan⁴; J Musaya⁵; L Pete⁶; A Richardson⁷; K Veitch⁷; J Alufandika⁸; B Bwamlima⁹; G Chilinga¹⁰;  ¹ Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, UK;  ² Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology (WCIP), UK;  ³ School of Infection & Immunity, UK;  ⁴ School of Life Science, University of Glasgow, UK;  ⁵ Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Malawi Liverpool Wellcome programme (MLW), Malawi;  ⁶ Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), UK;  ⁷ SURGE, UK;  ⁸ Voices, Malawi;  ⁹ Rumphi District Hospital, Malawi;  ¹⁰ Nkhotakota District Hospital, Malawi

Discussion

Human African Trypanosomiasis, or African sleeping sickness, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei which is transmitted by the Tsetse fly. Public engagement about this disease and education regarding the methods of control and elimination of the insect vector has proved lacking in endemic regions. Mistrust in research in sub-Saharan African regions also poses a barrier to intervention methods. This mistrust can often be traced to the ebola outbreaks of the past decade and can lead to a hostile environment. Beliefs, fears, and unsubstantiated rumours such that healthcare workers and researchers were responsible for disease spread, have resulted in the injury and death of scientific and medical field workers. Trust in scientists is crucial in working toward the World Health Organization's target of eliminating sleeping sickness transmission by 2030.
Our project, Parasite Street Science, has addressed these barriers through a unique method of public engagement: street theatre. The project provides a model for stirring the public’s interest in science that is readily transportable and accessible across geographical and language boundaries. The performance was developed by a diverse team of Malawian and Scottish scientists, performers, and health officials, and was performed in Glasgow and Malawi at football matches, which has brought an important educational component to underserved communities but also demonstrates the value of and enhances the trust in, scientific research.
This unique engagement project, and the methodology behind its development, have provided a platform for future artistic and theatrical endeavours that can be adapted to other vactor driven diseases – such as malaria and leishmaniasis. Our process and outcomes now serve as a toolkit to support the development of future researcher/artist collaborations for future interactive performances, resulting in a strong legacy for the project for years to come.