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MALAWI ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS 2^nd ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE

The Malawi Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (MAMLS) held its second scientific conference on 9^th December 2020 at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe. The meeting was attended by laboratory professionals from across the country, from Central Hospital Laboratories, District Hospital Laboratories, Private laboratories, Christian Hospital Association of Malawi (CHAM) institutions, research institutions and Non-governmental organizations. The meeting was hosted both physically and virtually – 95 professionals participating physically and over 40 participants attended virtually (Malawi government COVID-19 regulations allow meetings fewer than 100 physical participants). 

The theme of the Conference was: “Strengthening health services in Malawi through enhancement of the Medical Laboratory Profession”. This theme focused on the significance of laboratory diagnosis in patient management, thereby strengthening and improving health services in Malawi.

The purpose of the conference was to make laboratory professionals understand their role in healthcare provision and to strengthen the association by electing office bearers and endorsing the MAMLS constitution.

The Conference was officially opened by Mr. Godfrey Kadewere, the Director of Health Technical Support Services (HTSS) at the Ministry of Health. He stressed the commitment of the government in strengthening clinical laboratory networks in the country.

We were honoured to welcome three prominent guest key speakers: Prof. Giuseppi Lippi and Prof. Thomas Zima from the University of Verona, Italy and Charles University of Prague, Czech Republic, respectively presented virtually and Mr Richard Ndovie, Acting Registrar of Medical Council of Malawi (MCM) presented in person.

Prof. Giuseppi Lippi presented a lecture on the role of the clinical laboratory in the diagnosis and management of COVID-19. Malawi has not been hit too badly to date by COVID-19, perhaps because it has a young population and a warm climate. MAMLS was keen to ensure that its members were well briefed on what to do should the infection return this winter.

Prof. Thomas Zima from Charles University of Prague, Czech Republic delivered an overview of Tumour markers and their clinical applications and limitations. The presentation included the ways in which traditional clinical chemistry tumour makers (AFP, PSA, CA125 etc.) may be used in the diagnosis and management of cancer. Malawi has a high incidence of Hepatitis B and C and one specific example was the diagnosis of hepatocellular cancer in this high risk population.

Mr Richard Ndovi presented on professional conduct during the COVID-19 pandemic and also explained the role of the Medical Council and the challenges it faced. 

In addition to the keynote speakers, we also had presentations from Bioway, SNIBE and MM African Technology.

During the afternoon session, we endorsed our constitution and conducted elections. The following were elected as MAMLS office bearers;

1. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2. The President:   Confidence Banda
3. The Vice President:  Jonathan Majamanda
4. The Secretary General :  Titus Chiwindo
5. The Vice Secretary General: Joel Zephaniah Katuah
6. The National Treasurer: Elias Chipofya
7. The National Vice Treasurer: Hilary Kapoteza
8. THE COUNCIL
9. The Chairperson- Editorial, Publicity and Membership Committee: Anthali Munthali
10.  The Chairperson- Education, Training and Research Committee: Happy Manda
11. The Chairperson- Finance and Planning Committee: MacDonald Saka
12. The Chairperson- Disciplinary Committee: Brighton Mwenifumbo

The conference was closed by Mr. Joseph Bitilinyu-Bango, Assistant Deputy Director of HTSS-Diagnostics. He congratulated the newly elected office bearers and encouraged members to support them for the success of the association.

The conference organizers gratefully acknowledge the generous support provided by the following:

• International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC)
• Thofu investment  
• MM Africa Technology,
• Southern Skies and
• Boli Medicals

Participates listening to a presentation from Prof. Thomas Zima