Sant’ Egidio hands over molecular lab to Malawi

The Community of Sant’ Egidio on Monday handed over to Malawi Government a K200 million (about $606 000) molecular laboratory at Mzimba District Hospital.

 Receiving the facility, which was built under the  Dream Programme, Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daudi said they will use the laboratory to check viral load and CD4 count, among others.

She said the facility, which has automated equipment, will help save lives of many people in the district as laboratories are an integral part of the diagnosis and management of patients.

“This gesture by Dream is very timely. It complements government’s efforts to ensure that its citizens attain higher standard of care as recommended by the World Health Organisation. This is also in conformity to the Malawi Health Sector Strategic Plan, the Malawi Growth Development Strategy and the Millennium Development Goals,” said Daud.

Dream general coordinator Dr Paola Germano said the laboratory is a significant step in the fight against HIV and Aids.

She said the organisation also trained workers to efficiently handle the equipment.