Experts advocate for utilization of health research
Malawi’s first National Public Health Research Dissemination Conference has taken a significant step towards advancing evidence-based policy and building a resilient health system.
The event, held at the Bingu International Conference Centre, brought together over 400 delegates to discuss critical public health themes.
Keynote speakers, including Vice Chancellor for the Malawi University of Science and Technology Prof. Address Malata and Dr. Thomas Nyirenda Head of the Africa Office at EDCTP, who stressed the need for collaboration and translating research into actionable policies.
Dr. Nyirenda, for instance urged for such an approach in tackling interconnected health challenges like Antimicrobial Resistance and Climate Change.
According to the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Bernard Mvula, the conference received approximately 350 research submissions, out of which 240 were accepted for oral and poster presentations.
The conference featured three key plenary sessions and multiple presentations. Presentations covered a wide range of critical public health themes, including emerging and endemic infectious diseases, HIV and AIDS, non-communicable diseases, neglected tropical diseases, health systems, social and behavioural sciences, nutrition, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, digital technologies, and climate change.
The conference was officially opened by Dr. Dan Namarika, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, who served as the Guest of Honour.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Namarika commended the organizers and partners for organizing the first ever national platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making in the health sector.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to research excellence, emphasizing that research is central to achieving the Malawi 2063 Agenda.
The conference yielded key recommendations, including strengthening research-policy collaboration, enhancing capacity-building for emerging researchers, and making the event an annual fixture.
The conference has marked a new era in Malawi’s health research landscape, paving the way for a healthier future.
