Presenter after presenter, researchers looked almost celebratory as they wandered through the maze of jarson, diluting otherwise difficult terms in the waters of experience to make the product palatable to all—be it the learned and unlearned.
The scene? The Third Research Dissemination Conference which Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes) organised at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre.
Before medical personnel, researchers and innovators could untie what they had bundled in their research papers, Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda set the ball rolling, reminding stakeholders about their stake in the health of the nation.
“This highly esteemed gathering represents a pivotal moment for us all to reflect on our progress, explore new frontiers and renew our commitment to advancing health through research and innovation.
“This conference, under the theme ‘Research and Innovation Driving Health Towards MW2063’, marks a significant milestone in our journey toward an upper middle income, inclusively wealthy and self-reliant Malawi nation,” Kandodo Chiponda said, adding that the conference provided stakeholders with an opportunity to reflect on achievements made while charting the course for future advancements in health research and innovation.
She added that the gathering underscored health sector stakeholders’ collective commitment to leveraging scientific research and innovative practices to address Malawi’s evolving health needs.
Kandodo Chiponda emphasised that the path to achieving the country’s health goals called for synergy among research institutions, government agencies and community stakeholders.
She, therefore, pointed out that her ministry was committed to improving healthcare outcomes and ensuring equitable access to quality health services across Malawi.
She said guided by the principles of the Malawi 2063, the ministry was committed to fostering a robust healthcare system that meets the needs of service seekers, reduces health disparities and promotes overall well-being.
“Our vision is to create a health sector that is resilient, inclusive and responsive to the evolving needs of our population. Kamuzu University of Health Sciences plays a pivotal role in this vision. As a leading institution in health education and research, Kuhes is integral in shaping the future of healthcare system in Malawi.
“The university’s work is not just academic; it is deeply intertwined with our national health policies and guidelines. Through its research, teaching and community engagement, Kuhes contributes significantly to advancing health knowledge and practice in our country,” Kandodo Chiponda said.
She was quick to say there was a need to embrace “the concept of evidence-based decision-making”.
“At its core, evidence-based decision-making is about utilising the best available data to inform our choices. Research generates a wealth of data, data that serves as a foundation for our understanding of health issues, population needs and the effectiveness of interventions. This data does not only provide insight into the current state of health status within our communities but also guides us in identifying areas for improvement.
“When we base our decisions on sound research, we are not just reacting to immediate challenges; we are strategically shaping the future of health outcomes. For instance, research can reveal trends in disease prevalence, the effectiveness of various treatment modalities and the social determinants affecting health,” Kandodo Chiponda emphasised.
Weighing in on the issue, Kuhes Vice Chancellor MacPherson Mallewa said the conference, which took place from October 2 to 4, provided stakeholders with an opportunity for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.
He said its theme also underscored the critical role that research and innovation play in meeting MW2063 vision goals.
“Research and innovation are the engines of progress. They provide the evidence, tools and solutions necessary to tackle the complex health challenges we face today and those we will encounter in the future.
“Whether it is the development of new treatments for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the implementation of cutting-edge technologies in healthcare delivery or the creation of sustainable health systems that are resilient to shocks, research and innovation are indispensable,” Mallewa pointed out.
“In the context of Malawi, where health challenges are multifaceted and resources are limited, the need for evidence-based decision-making is paramount. We must leverage research to inform policy, guide resource allocation and design interventions that are both effective and efficient.
“This is not merely a theoretical exercise; it is a practical necessity. The health of our population, and by extension, the future of our nation, depends on it,” the vice chancellor added.
Mallewa observed that while Malawi had made significant strides in health outcomes, challenges persisted, particularly with emerging threats and the burden of NCDs.
He explained that research and innovation would be key to addressing such challenges.
“Conducting rigorous research is essential for developing effective health policies and interventions, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and programmes meet the population’s actual needs.
“For instance, research on the epidemiology of HIV/Aids in Malawi has led to targeted interventions that significantly reduced prevalence, while maternal health research has informed programmes that improved outcomes for mothers and children nationwide,” Mallewa said.
In addition, he said, evidence-based policymaking was a cornerstone of the MW2063 vision, grounding health policies in the best available evidence and making them responsive to the needs of the evolving health landscape.
He said the approach not only enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of health interventions but also fosters a responsive and resilient health system.
“Research is crucial for identifying and addressing the root causes of health challenges, leading to targeted interventions for malaria, HIV/Aids and non-communicable diseases, which have significantly reduced their burden.
“Studies on the social determinants of health have informed strategies to tackle disparities related to poverty, education and access to healthcare. Effectively addressing health challenges necessitates a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving government agencies, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and the private sector,” Mallewa stressed.
In so saying, he struck a common chord.
This is because Director of Higher Education Levis Eneya said they were impressed with contributions Kuhes had made to the country’s health sector.
He said since the birth of Kuhes on May 4 2021, following the delinking of the College of Medicine and Kamuzu University of Nursing from the University of Malawi—which was done through an Act of Parliament Number 20 of 2019—they had been “very happy to see the strides that the new university has made”.
“This conference reflects our collective aspiration to harness the transformative power of research and innovation as pivotal forces in advancing our national health agenda.
“In other words, it is an expression of our collective commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and addressing the pertinent health challenges that our nation faces,” he pointed out.
Eneya added that there was a need to break down “traditional silos” and foster collaboration in diverse fields.
“Health challenges are multifaceted and interconnected, demanding holistic and inclusive response approaches,” he pointed out.
The director also said sound health was key to meeting long-term development goals.
“Health research benefits from diverse perspectives, encompassing medicine, public health, social sciences, engineering and technology. Therefore, the need for multidisciplinary approach cannot be overemphasised.
“In multidisciplinary research, the probability of convergence of ideas from diverse fields is one. This convergence of ideas sparks innovation, leading to the development of novel technologies, methodologies and interventions with the potential to transform healthcare practices,” Eneya stressed.
He, therefore, said the Ministry of Education was committed to supporting and nurturing a conducive environment for research and academic excellence.
Eneya said to do so, the education system had to be a catalyst for producing the next generation of researchers and thinkers who will continue to propel the country forward.
“We are also proud to see our educational vision, the National Education Sector Investment Plan (Nesip 2020-30), converging with the broader national aspirations embedded in the Malawi 2063 and the Malawi 2063 Implementation Plan.
“Our ministry’s mission is clear: to provide quality education that nurtures learned individuals for a prosperous nation,” Eneya explained.
And, for now, stakeholders seem to be agreeing that dreams of a prosperous nation may remain farfetched if research and innovation are cast aside.
