Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme

Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme We conduct internationally excellent science to benefit human health. Our laboratories lead the region in sophistication, precision, breadth and throughput.

We conduct internationally excellent science to benefit human health with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. MLW is built around excellent laboratories, strategically located in the largest hospital in Malawi, closely linked with the community and an integral part of the medical school. These relationships provide a unique opportunity replicated in few centres in Africa to study major health issues spanning both community and hospital. Malawi provides a unique supportive environment for our MOP, with government commitment to universal health coverage, strong engagement with research and willingness to innovate around evidence-based public health programmes. MLW surveillance and diagnostic platforms provide clinicians with early indicators of changes in the incidence of common and emerging diseases. Our combination of epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory science allows us, together with internationally leading collaborators, to determine the underlying mechanisms of important diseases. We study individual and community behaviour and bring this together with basic biology in order to plan appropriate interventions that improve health. Our translational pipeline, while providing an excellent academic environment, results in significant clinical trials and we transfer the findings to policy leading to improved health in Malawi and world-wide. We have two major well- established Programmes with clearly de-fined aims for the next 10 years, built on excellent achievements to date. These Programmes are:

- Preventing death from severe infection
- Transmission reduction in infectious diseases

The Programmes have specific objectives and key deliverables for 2018 to 2022. In addition, we have a Strategic Initiative to target selected high burden chronic diseases (lung impairment, stroke, blindness), particularly related to HIV. In partnership with the College of Medicine we have Training Aims to attract, train and retain local and international senior scientists. Through our partnership with the Ministry of Health, our Policy Aims ensure that our research is both relevant and applied to improve human health.

Research participants’ experiences play a vital role in dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding clinical trials....
27/03/2026

Research participants’ experiences play a vital role in dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding clinical trials.

On Friday, 27 March 2026, the Malawi Accelerated Research in Vaccines by Experimental and Laboratory Sciences (MARVELS) study launched the Participant Advocacy Group Initiative (PAGI) at Lotus Hotel in Blantyre. The initiative is designed to empower participants to share their experiences and strengthen communication around research.

Speaking during the launch, Research Nurse Shalom Songolo highlighted that trust and transparency grow when participants openly share their stories. This exchange of experiences helps address fears, correct misunderstandings, and build stronger relationships between researchers and communities.

PAGI provides a platform for participants to engage, learn from one another, and highlight the real impact and benefits of taking part in research.

Our scientists, Dr. Tarsizio Chikaonda and Dr. Deborah Nyirenda, also emphasized that meaningful participant involvement improves research processes and promotes more efficient use of resources.

The launch of PAGI marks an important step toward deeper collaboration, clearer communication, and stronger community engagement.

Together, we can build research that listens.

Yes! We Can End TB.
24/03/2026

Yes! We Can End TB.

Today, we are honored to host a delegation from Wellcome, one of our key partners in advancing our work.The delegation i...
23/03/2026

Today, we are honored to host a delegation from Wellcome, one of our key partners in advancing our work.

The delegation includes the Wellcome Board of Governers, LSTM and UoL and KUHeS representatives. Notably, the Wellcome Governors are Mr. As Sy, Dame Cilla Snowball, Ms. Diana Noble, Prof. Dame Fiona Powrie, Prof. Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu, Mr. Richard Gillingwater, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, Prof. Jimmy Volmink, Dr. John-Arne Røttingen, Mr. Chris Bird, Ms. Yolisa Nalule, Ms. Mary Watson, and Mrs. Sally Dalgaard. They are visiting the country to gain deeper insight into our efforts in addressing a wide range of health challenges.

Welcoming our visitors, MLW Director, Professor Henry Mwandumba, highlighted:
“The visit by the governors is very important, as it allows us to showcase the work we have been doing here at MLW in person. It is also an opportunity for the different partnership representations to contribute to the conversations in a more coordinated manner.”

During today’s visit, the delegation has had the opportunity to listen to various research teams and units as they present on the work they have been doing and what is ongoing.

Prof. Jimmy Volmink, Executive Director for Equity at Wellcome, commended MLW for its focus on training future researchers, highlighting how inspiring it is to see so many people trained here in Malawi. He described this as a testament to resilience, long-term vision, and the commitment to building scientific capacity that lasts.

He added: “Malawi continues to face real pressures on our health system, on communities, and on resources. These challenges are not abstract; they are immediate, complex, and deeply felt.
MLW continues to deliver, to innovate, and to serve people across Malawi. What is truly striking is how the science here is directly connected to real life, grounded, relevant, and responsive to the needs of the communities we work with.”

We are pleased to hear such positive feedback from our funders and look forward to an even more meaningful relationship moving forward, as we work towards improving health systems across the globe.

Wellcome Trust Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - LSTM University of Liverpool

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭!Click the link below for more information.https://www.mlw.mw/wp-content/uploads/2026/03...
23/03/2026

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭!

Click the link below for more information.

https://www.mlw.mw/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Facilities-Apprenticeship-Advert-.pdf

Eid Mubarak!
21/03/2026

Eid Mubarak!

We are rebranding ...
20/03/2026

We are rebranding ...

This month, we have turned our focus to mental health an alarming public health threat in Malawi.This week, on our iconi...
20/03/2026

This month, we have turned our focus to mental health an alarming public health threat in Malawi.

This week, on our iconic Umoyo N’kukambirana radio programme, we will be discussing Psychosis, one of the pressing mental health challenges, and highlighting the important work being done by researchers from Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) to address this concern.

Tune in to Times Radio tomorrow, 21st March 2026, to learn more about this important topic.
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Mwezi uno, pulogalamu yathu ikuyang’ana kwambiri pa thanzi la m’malingaliro, lomwe lakhala vuto lalikulu kuno ku Malawi.

Sabata ino, tikambirana za nthenda ya kusowekera maganizo angwiro, yomwe ndi imodzi mwa mavuto a thanzi la m’malingaliro. Tidzamvanso za ntchito yomwe akatswiri a kafukufuku ochokera ku Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) akuchita pothana ndi vutoli.

Tcherani khutu ku wayilesi ya Times pa 21 March 2026 kuti mudzamve zambiri pa nkhaniyi.

In line with our commitment to strengthen ties with our partners, on Tuesday, 17th March, we donated whistles and reflec...
19/03/2026

In line with our commitment to strengthen ties with our partners, on Tuesday, 17th March, we donated whistles and reflective vests to selected police stations in Blantyre.

The items, worth 2.5 million kwacha, were presented to Chilobwe, Ndirande, and Bangwe Police Stations.

Our Security Supervisor, Evance Mose, described the donation as a token of gratitude for the support that men in uniform provide during community engagement activities in these areas.

Representatives from the three police stations expressed their thanks for the support and their ongoing involvement in our work.

Today on Umoyo N’kukambirana, we begin an important conversation on mental health. The discussion will unpack key mental...
14/03/2026

Today on Umoyo N’kukambirana, we begin an important conversation on mental health. The discussion will unpack key mental health challenges that form the basis of research currently being conducted by our partners at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.

This topic will be our focus for the entire month as we explore different issues surrounding mental health.

Tune in to Times Radio at 5:00 PM and catch the programme live.....................................................................................................................................
Mu pulogalamu yathu ya Umoyo N’kukambirana lero, tikhala tikusanthula nkhani yokhudza thanzi la m’malingaliro, yomwe ndi imodzi mwa nkhani zofunika kwambiri kuno ku Malawi. Zokambiranazi ndi zomwe zikhale maziko a pulogalamu yathu mwezi wonse uno.

Akatswiri ochita kafukufuku ochokera ku Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) akhala akufotokoza za kafukufuku amene akuchita pofuna kumvetsa bwino komanso kuthana ndi mavuto okhudza thanzi la m’malingaliro m’dziko muno, makamaka mu mwezi uno wa March.

Tcherani khutu ku wayilesi ya Times nthawi ya 5 koloko madzulo ano kuti mutenge nawo mbali mu pulogalamuyi.

Yesterday, we donated whistles and reflective vests worth over MK2 million to Chikwawa and Nchalo Police Stations, to su...
13/03/2026

Yesterday, we donated whistles and reflective vests worth over MK2 million to Chikwawa and Nchalo Police Stations, to support their daily operations and enhance community safety.

These police stations play a key role in safeguarding our teams and the communities we work with. Their support helps ensure smooth research activities, safe field movements, and trusted engagement across Chikwawa, which is also one of our longest-standing research sites.

During the handover, Evance Mose, MLW's Security Supervisor thanked the officers for their ongoing collaboration, highlighting how their commitment helps protect staff during studies and community events.

Police representatives from both stations also expressed appreciation, noting that the items will boost patrol visibility, as they work to strengthen understanding of MLW’s work in the district.

MLW has conducted health research in Chikwawa since 2002, contributing to improved health and wellbeing for people across Malawi. Partnerships like these ensure that our science continues to reach communities safely and effectively.

Together, we’re building safer communities and supporting research that makes a difference.

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂 𝒗𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒓 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕...
12/03/2026

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂 𝒗𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒓 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒘𝒊

Most people know mosquitoes bite humans to get blood; however, blood is not their main food source. Like many insects, mosquitoes survive mostly on sugar from plants. They drink nectar, sap, or juices from fruits to get the energy they need to fly, rest, and reproduce.

Even though sugar is so important for mosquitoes, this behaviour has not been well studied in Malawi. This research is the first of its kind in the country to look at how malaria-carrying mosquitoes find and use sugar in an environment full of natural plants and sugar sources.

From this research, we discovered that:
• Many malaria mosquitoes feed on plant sugars, not just blood.
• These mosquitoes prefer certain plants over others.
• Sugar-rich plants in the environment play an important role in mosquitoes' survival

This gives us new baseline data on what mosquitoes in southern Malawi eat and how they behave in real environments.

Understanding how mosquitoes feed on sugar can help us fight malaria in new ways. Scientists are now developing tools called Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSBs). These baits use sugar mixed with a safe toxin to attract and kill mosquitoes when they come to feed.

If we know which plants mosquitoes prefer, and how often they seek sugar, we can design more effective and locally relevant mosquito control strategies. This could work alongside current methods like mosquito nets and indoor spraying, especially for mosquitoes that feed outdoors.

Read to learn more here:
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0344351

Authors: Kennedy Zembere ,Sylvester Coleman,James Chirombo,Rex Mbewe,Julie-Anne Tangena

The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) is hosting a Research Administration and Management Project (RAMP...
09/03/2026

The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) is hosting a Research Administration and Management Project (RAMP) training at Amaryllis Hotel.

The three-day training, which started today, Monday, 9 March 2026, has brought together 16 participants from Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), and MLW. The programme aims to equip project and research managers, finance teams, and administrators with essential skills in communication, finance administration, and project/research management, ultimately enhancing efficiency within research teams.

Opening the training, Jenalisa Musaya, Deputy Director at MLW, described the initiative as an important opportunity for participating institutions to strengthen their capacities in finance, administration, and project and research management.

Address

Chipatala Avenue
Blantyre

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Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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+2651812423

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