Collaborating for Health: University of Liverpool Leaders Engage with MLW’s Innovative Research in Malawi

Collaborating for Health: University of Liverpool Leaders Engage with MLW’s Innovative Research in Malawi

(IN BRIEF) Senior leaders from the University of Liverpool, including the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Black, recently visited the Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW) in Blantyre, Malawi, to observe advancements in research, facilities, and healthcare initiatives. Established in 1995, MLW collaborates with the Kumuzu University of Health Sciences to conduct high-impact scientific research aimed at improving human health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. During the visit, the delegation toured MLW’s laboratories and facilities, including a field site at Chikhwawa District Hospital, where they witnessed MLW’s swift response to rebuilding infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Freddy. They also engaged with researchers working on critical health issues in Malawi, such as maternal sepsis and vaccine development for Salmonella-related syndromes. Additionally, the group explored MLW’s new Clinical Research Excellence and Training Open Resource (CREATOR) building, set to officially open later this year, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the University of Liverpool and MLW to advance healthcare in Malawi.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 7-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Last week, senior leaders from the University of Liverpool embarked on a visit to the Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW) in Blantyre, Malawi, to gain insights into the latest advancements in research, facilities, and healthcare initiatives.

The delegation, led by the University’s Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Black, was joined by Professor Louise Kenny and Professor Pete Clegg from the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Their itinerary included visits to several facilities in Blantyre and its surroundings.

Established in 1995 by the University of Liverpool in collaboration with the then College of Medicine of Malawi (now Kumuzu University of Health Sciences), MLW aims to conduct globally renowned scientific research to improve human health, with a specific focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

Professor Louise Kenny highlighted the pivotal role of MLW, emphasizing its state-of-the-art laboratories strategically situated within Malawi’s largest hospital, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. She underscored the program’s close ties with the community, enabling comprehensive studies on significant health challenges spanning both community and hospital settings.

During their tour, the group visited a field site at Chikhwawa District Hospital, located along the banks of the Shire River. Professor Kenny noted the site’s resilience in the face of adversity, citing MLW’s swift response to rebuild crucial infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Freddy, which devastated the region over a year ago. This support, funded by the Wellcome Trust, ensured uninterrupted healthcare services during a challenging period for the country.

Additionally, the delegation engaged with University of Liverpool researchers focusing on various health conditions prevalent in Malawi, including maternal sepsis—a leading cause of maternal mortality—and vaccine development for different clinical syndromes caused by Salmonella strains.

Furthermore, the group had the opportunity to tour MLW’s innovative Clinical Research Excellence and Training Open Resource (CREATOR) building, slated for official opening later this year.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

Catrin Owen
Media Relations Manager – Humanities and Social Sciences
T: +44 (0)7721 834238
E: catrin.owen@liverpool.ac.uk

Sarah Stamper
Media Relations Manager – Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)7970 247396
E: sarah.stamper@liverpool.ac.uk

Jennifer Morgan
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0)7775 547589
E: J.L.Morgan@liverpool.ac.uk

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool