Entebbe, Uganda – August 13, 2025 by Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Memory Ngwira, and Settie Kanyanda.
A delegation from Malawi has commenced Week 13 of the Mid-Level Evidence-Informed Decision-Making (EIDM) program at the African Centre for Rapid Evidence Synthesis (ACRES), joining colleagues from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda for the intensive 28-week course. The program is designed to equip policymakers and researchers with the skills needed to effectively translate evidence into actionable policy.
Memory Ngwira -PHIM, and Colleague attanding as knowledge blockers.
Memory Ngwira -PHIM, and Colleague attanding as knowledge blockers.
The Malawian team includes policymakers Mary Mwale and Blair Sibale from the Reproductive Health Directorate, alongside researchers Memory Moque Ngwira from PHIM and Suzgika Mirriam Lakudzala from the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome (MLW) Programme. Their participation highlights Malawi’s ongoing commitment to strengthening evidence-based policy formulation, particularly in critical areas like public health.
The week began with a powerful session on “Gender Inclusion and Diversity in Evidence-to-Policy,” led by Dr. Anna Ninsiima of Makerere University. The session focused on the essential role of integrating gender and diversity considerations throughout the policy process to ensure equitable and effective outcomes.
The program, has brought together a diverse group of professionals from across the region, aiming to build a network of skilled individuals capable of championing evidence-informed practices within their respective countries. The ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange are expected to have a lasting impact on policy-making across East Africa.
Lilongwe ,Malawi – August 13, 2025.. by Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Mark Mwalabu, and Settie Kanyanda.
The Government of Malawi, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the UN Environment Programme, hosted its FIRST-EVER National Bridging Workshop (NBW). This workshop aimed to enhance the country’s “One Health” multisectoral approach by improving collaboration among human, animal, and environmental health sectors to prevent and respond to public health threats.
Dr. Martias Joshua, Chief of Services-Reforms – MoH.
Dr. Joshua highlighted Malawi’s commitment to One Health, noting that the country has already initiated a One Health Policy and prioritized zoonotic diseases for urgent multisectoral action.
Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, WHO Malawi Country Representative.
“Emphasized that a majority of emerging and re-emerging human diseases originate from the complex interplay between animals, humans, and the environment,” hence Bridging is the solution, Dr. Neema, WHO.
Stated that the “workshop helps connect the JEE and PVS tools to develop a joint national roadmap.”, George Mvula.
George Mvula, FAO Representative
Pointed out that the “NBW identifies practical opportunities for joint initiatives to build a resilient health system.”, Dr. Moetapele Letshwenyo.
Dr. Moetapele Letshwenyo, WOAH Representative for Southern Africa.
This workshop is a crucial stride toward building a unified, resilient health system in Malawi. By strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation, the nation is proactively preparing to tackle present and future public health challenges effectively.
Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi – August 7, 2025.. by Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Memory Ngwira, and Settie Kanyanda.
In a significant step towards strengthening research capabilities within Malawi’s public health sector, the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) in collaboration with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) is conducting a five-day Research Methodology and Grants Writing Workshop at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH). Started on Monday expected to end this Friday, aims to enhance participants with essential skills for conducting high-quality research and securing funding, thereby advancing evidence-based healthcare practices across the nation.
Alex Thawani, PHIM – Research Division.
Special thanks to the Kamuzu Central Research Coordination Committee for arranging the workshop, and to Dr. Samuel Phuka from KuHes, and to the Dr. Enock Ludzu – Hospital Director – KCH for officially opening the event.
Dr. Amos Msekandiana
Also, In attendance was Dr. Amos Msekandiana popularly known as Mr. Jaliwa.
The workshop, which is taking place at KCH, brings together a diverse group of participants, including researchers from various health-related fields, MoH personnel, and academic staff from local universities. By focusing on research methodology and grants writing, the initiative seeks to address key challenges faced by professionals in the health sector concerning the development of viable research proposals and the acquisition of funding for public health projects.
Alex Thawani, Bio-statistician for the Research Division, PHIM., expressed the importance of this initiative, stating, “Strengthening research capacity is essential for the advancement of health services in Malawi. By enhancing the skills of our health professionals, we are investing in the future of evidence-based healthcare that can significantly improve the health outcomes of our population.”
Participants are engaged in a series of hands-on sessions over the week, covering topics such as the fundamentals of research design, data collection and analysis techniques, ethics in research, and the intricacies of writing competitive grant applications. The workshop is facilitated by experienced trainers from both PHIM and KUHeS, ensuring that attendees benefit from a wealth of knowledge and practical insights.
In addition, Memory Ngwira, Principal Health Research Officer from PHIM emphasized the collaborative aspect of the workshop: “This partnership between PHIM and KUHeS exemplifies our commitment to fostering a culture of research and collaboration within our health system. It is vital that we work together to ensure our health responses are informed by sound research.”
Memory Ngwira, PHIM – Speaking on the topic of ethics, as the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) Research Division serves as the secretariat for the National Health Sciences Research Committee (NHSRC).
While the workshop is poised to provide valuable training and resources, it is essential to recognize the broader context within which these efforts occur. Malawi is faced with various challenges, including limited funding opportunities for health research and the need for greater awareness of the importance of research among policymakers and stakeholders. Thus, while workshops like this are crucial, sustained efforts are necessary to create an environment conducive to research and innovation in healthcare.
The Research Methodology and Grants Writing Workshop at Kamuzu Central Hospital signifies a essential advancement in Malawi’s commitment to enhancing research capabilities within the public health sector.
By equipping researchers, MoH staff, and academic professionals with the necessary skills, PHIM and KUHeS are paving the way for a future where evidence-based practices thrive, impacting the health outcomes of Malawians. As participants embark on this learning journey, the hope is that it will foster a culture of inquiry and innovation, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of healthcare. The collaborative efforts displayed bring out the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in building a robust health research framework that can effectively address the health challenges facing Malawi today and in the years to come.
