Researchers dared to tackle areas that provide solutions to local health sector challenges
The health research community has been challenged to invest in the research enterprise and initiate collaborative efforts if Malawi 2063 health blueprint is to be achieved. Vice Chancellor for Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Prof. MacPherson Mallewa, made the remarks on 24th September, during the opening ceremony of this year’s 3rd Research Dissemination Conference at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre.
In his sentiments, Prof. Mallewa dared health researchers to tackle areas that provide solutions to challenges hindering progress in the Malawian health sector and constantly engage policy makers to initiate health policy change.
“In terms of research, there’s is a tremendous amount that is underway at KUHeS with various goals and various outcomes. Through this forum, we are able to communicate with policy makers and people in practice there by providing a platform for sharing ideas and learning as well as a forum for policy makers to appreciate research outcome from the researchers themselves’, said Prof. Mallewa.
In her remarks, Minister of Health and Guest of Honour at the event, Honourable Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda MP, underscored the importance of research in health policy making and also stressed on the need to revise our approaches in addressing health sector challenges.
“Am very happy with the development that is happening at KUHeS in terms of research and innovation because the results from such initiatives will assist in driving our policy for the health sector. We are also encouraging researchers to tackle areas which are relevant so that the results of such research and innovation can have an impact in addressing the challenges in our health care system”, said Kandodo
On her part, Keynote Speaker at this year’s RDC, Prof. Salome Maswiime, sounded the alarm on the gaps that are existent in Malawian health sector that need urgent counter-measures.
“What we have to think about is the poor health outcomes, issues on poor people’s access to quality health care and assess if the hospitals are able to offer the services that people require. The life expectancy of Malawi is now sitting at around 66 and that shows us that there are things that we need to work on and improve through research and innovation. To address the challenges, there should be a collaborative partnership and all stakeholders must play their role from the researchers, health care workers and decision makers” said Prof. Maswiime
This year’s 3rd Research Dissemination Conference held from 24th-27th September ran under the theme “Research and Innovation, Driving Health Towards #MW2063.
posted this on Tue 8 October 2024