CoM set for 22nd research conference
The University of Malawi’s College of Medicine (CoM) says its 22nd Research Dissemination Conference (RDC) will be a premier gathering where 262 local and international research scientists and public health experts are expected to make different presentations.
During this year’s conference, to be held from November 23 to 24 at CoM Blantyre campus, over 500 delegates will discuss and reflect on the role of health research in the prevention of illnesses and improvement of health services in the country.
Addressing the media in Blantyre on Wednesday, CoM principal Mwapatsa Mipando said the increase in the number of presenters shows the conference is becoming more relevant globally.
He said local researchers will be joined by their counterparts from the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK) and other parts of Europe, Australia and Kenya, among others.
Said Mipando: “What is also of interest is that the keynote speaker, Nyovani Madise, is a Malawian professor who has lived abroad for many years and is now coming back.”
He said for the first time, the conference will have a special session on water and sanitation, one of the serious issues affecting the country.
On her part, CoM director of Research Support Centre Cecilia Maliwichi-Nyirenda said research has been part and parcel of the college’s contribution to the nation.
“Through our research, we have been able to provide solutions to some of the problems facing the nation. We want to stimulate a research culture among our students so that when they grow, they should take it as part of their work,” she said.
Primarily, the conference will cover communicable diseases, mainly focusing on malaria, HIV and tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases, nutrition, health systems and policy, and maternal, neonatal and child health.
The conference will be held under the theme Health Research for Preventing Illness and Improved Health Services in Malawi.
