Research centre to focus on climate change-related diseases

The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome (MLW) Programme has said it plans to focus on conducting research on diseases caused by challenges such as climate change to preserve life.

Speaking after a walkathon organised as part of events to commemorate MLW’s 25 years of existence, interim director, Henry Mwandumba, said going forward, the centre plans to focus on areas that are posing a threat to health including those that are caused by floods and drought.

He said: “We are looking forward to working with government and our partners, particularly by conducting research that will help in dealing with such challenges. We aim to continue with research works that inform policies to improve the health of the nation.”

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Macpherson Mallewa, said the partnership between MLW and the university has helped to train doctors, nurses and bring about change in policy in terms of health care provision in Malawi.

“We will carry on together doing research and training future scientists for the benefit of the country and beyond,” Mallewa said.

Since its inception in 1995, the MLW programme has trained more than 500 doctors in health research.

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Director, Professor David Lalloo said as one of the partners, they are delighted to see how MLW has advanced in terms of research and is looking forward to the development of many research scientists in Malawi.

The commemorations which started on September 5, ends on September 17, 2022.