On Sunday 18 September 2022, MLW drew together its researchers, operations team, and partners to discuss the research organisation’s Science Strategy.

The three-day strategic meeting, which took place at Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi, attracted several MLW’s local and international partners.

According to MLW’s Interim Director Professor Henry Mwandumba, the research institution needs a strategy that responds to the existing and emerging health concerns in line with the changing funding environment.

Mwandumba said, “Discussion of the Malawi National Research Agenda and National Health Research Agenda were extremely informative and will inform MLW’s Science Strategy to maintain scientific excellence while responding to the health needs of Malawi and Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The Science retreat that was the first of its kind, among other partners was patronised by officials from Wellcome, which is MLW’s funding agency, Ministry of Health, the National Planning Commission, Kamuzu Health Sciences (KUHeS), University of Malawi, University of Liverpool, and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM).

Mwandumba added, “The retreat has increased MLW’s visibility and excellent reputation in Malawi, I am optimistic that government and academic institutions in the country and abroad will respect and value MLW as a trusted research institution.”

Mwandumba observed that engaging partners and stakeholders will strengthen the development of an institutional science strategy that will have broad ownership, respond to pressing local and global health challenges and advance scientific knowledge at global level.

During the retreat, MLW’s Clinical Research Unit (CRSU), Human Resource Management and the Communications and Public Engagement Departments shared their progress reports.