Africa-Press – Malawi. President Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to investing in research to advance Malawi’s development goals.
Wednesday, Chakwera inaugurated the Clinical Research Excellence and Training Open Resource Centre (Creator) at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), an affiliate of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes).
The President underlined the importance of scientific research in achieving Malawi’s aspirations for industrialisation, self-reliance and economic growth.
Addressing attendees at Kuhes Sports Complex in Blantyre, Chakwera reiterated that a nation without scientific research is effectively lifeless.
“My administration is determined to invest in research because a nation without strong research institutions operates in ignorance and guesswork, which come at a significant cost,” he said.
Chakwera added that the launch of Creator is a testament to his administration’s commitment to supporting institutions like Kuhes in enhancing research and clinical excellence.
He urged authorities to fully utilise the new facility to address emerging public health issues and contribute to overall development.
The President also instructed the Ministry of Education to address unaccredited training institutions that undermine educational standards and contribute to “widespread ignorance”.
Henry Mwandumba, Director of Research Programmes at MLW, described the facility as a major milestone for MLW.
Mwandumba said it will enhance clinical research and provide high-quality specialist education within Malawi and the sub-Saharan African region.
On his part, Kuhes Vice- Chancellor McPherson Mallewa said the institution remains committed to advancing health research and training through various partnerships.
Mallewa also revealed plans to establish a multi-million-Kwacha drug industry to reduce the costs associated with importing medication.
“Malawi currently imports 90 percent of its drugs, which is costly. This new project aims to change that trajectory,” he said.
Creator was built with financial support from the University of Liverpool, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and MLW, with a total investment of £9 million (approximately K19 billion).
The facility features a digital library with high-speed internet and serves as an innovation hub for health research, among other segments.
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