2025 MAMLS ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE: A UNITED CALL FOR EQUITABLE ACCESS TO DIAGNOSTICS

BLANTYRE, MALAWI – 8TH MAY, 2025.

The Malawi Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (MAMLS) successfully hosted its 2025 Annual General Conference at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre, Malawi. The conference, held under the theme “Enhancing Access to Diagnostics for All Malawians: Strengthening Laboratory Services at Primary Health Centres” brought together over 100 medical laboratory professionals and key stakeholders from across Malawi.

Driving Change Through Innovation & Collaboration

This year’s conference focused on one powerful idea: bringing diagnostics closer to the people, especially in rural areas. Insightful Presentations were delivered by renowned experts including: Mr. Bitilinyu Bangoh (PHIM, Ministry of Health), Prof. Kondwani Jambo (MLW), Dr. Andrews Gunda (CHAI), Dr. Alice Mbewe (MLW), MR. Richard Ndovie (MCM) and Mr. Confidence Banda (MAMLS). The key speakers challenged the audience to rethink the role of diagnostics in Malawi’s Health system and inspired action in the following key areas:

Decentralizing diagnostics to improve access to all Malawians
Turning policies into real action at the community level
Adopting affordable, sustainable technologies fit for Malawi’s health system
Empowering laboratory professionals as vital members of clinical care team

Mr. Bitilinyu Bango – The Guest of Honor

Professor Kondwani Jambo, from the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust and the keynote speaker at the conference, encouraged stakeholders to adopt strategic and innovative thinking. He emphasized that without meaningful reform, Malawi faces the risk of “a future of health without care.” Dr. Alice Mbewe, also from the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, delivered her presentation virtually during the conference. She highlighted several innovative strategies that could be employed to enhance diagnostic services at health centers, including mobile-based diagnostic applications, drone transportation of samples, solar-powered mini-laboratories, and task-shifting approaches. Dr. Andrews Gunda who is the country director for CHAI emphasized on a powerful resolution that Malawi must ensure at least 80% of its population has access to quality diagnostics by strengthening primary health centers. Mr. Richard Ndovie from the Medical Council of Malawi presented on the role of the council in safeguarding the profession and also hinted on the Policies that are being changed in the Council to improve the Laboratory Profession. Mr. Confidence Banda, the president of MAMLS emphasized on the need to turn the policies we have in the health sector into action inorder to improve and scale up diagnostics to the Primary Health centers. Summing up the Conference was the Guest of Honor, Mr. Bitilinyu Bangoh who is the Deputy Director of PHIM, who emphasized on the need for unity, collaboration and commitment to achieve the agenda. He also echoed on the need for shared responsibility and turning policies into action in order to improve access to diagnostics in Malawi.

Professor Kondwani Jambo – The Keynote Speaker

A moment of recognition

A standout moment during the conference was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. George Kadewere, the former Director of Health Technical Support Services at the Ministry of Health. Mr. Kadewere was honored for his decades of dedicated service, visionary leadership and immense contribution to the growth of Malawi’s laboratory sector. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in shaping national diagnostic policies, strengthening laboratory systems and mentoring the next generation of laboratory scientists across the country.

Mr. George Kadewere Receiving his award of excellence

Exhibition Highlights

The conference also featured a vibrant exhibition segment where local and international partners showcased cutting edge diagnostic tools, laboratory equipment and digital health solutions. Organizations such as Pacific Diagnostics, Inqaba, Thofu Investments and Hall Mark, displayed products tailored for low resource settings, including rapid test kits and mobile equipment. The exhibitions provided a valuable opportunity for delegates to interact with suppliers, explore new technologies and discuss practical solutions for improving diagnostics in Malawi.

Moving Forward

The conference ended with a strong call to action: Let no Malawian be left behind in accessing quality diagnostics. This bold vision will require unity, innovation and sustained investment in people, tools and infrastructure.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our esteemed sponsors: PACIFIC Diagnostics, Inqaba Biotec, Thofu Investments and Hallmark Limited, whose generous support was instrumental in the success of the conference.