The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), through its Communication and Public Engagement Department, intensified its visibility and outreach activities in Lilongwe in February 2026.

The initiative aimed to engage communities in areas where the institution is currently implementing the CABMILK study research that seeks to determine whether pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) taken by lactating women also provides protective benefits to breastfeeding infants.

Public engagement activities combined interactive fan truck events, including dancing competitions, quizzes and information sessions, to effectively engage communities around Area 18 and Kawale health centres.

Commenting on the initiative, Area 18 Health Centre Environmental Health Officer Alex Fundani said the outreach provided an opportunity for the facility to connect with users in hard-to-reach areas, where access is often limited due to resource constraints.
“ We appreciate the decision to run these public engagement activities. We have areas that we fail to reach on our own through this has given as an opportunity to connect with Area 18 health centre users  with public health messages that matter in their lives, “  said Fundani.

Group Village Headman (GVH) Chifumbe of Area 50 in Lilongwe also commended MLW for bringing the activities closer to the community, noting that health research initiatives play a crucial role in driving development.
“Thank you for bringing this study in my area. Initiatives of this nature are highly beneficial as they promote development by ensuring that the people are living a healthy life,” expressed GVH Chifumbe.

Once completed, the study is expected to generate concrete evidence on the level of protection infants may receive through breastfeeding from mothers taking PrEP. This could help address existing uncertainties and misconceptions surrounding HIV prevention methods among young children.