The Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) and Mangochi District Council are set to strengthen their collaboration through the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will guide and formalise the partnership between the two institutions.

The draft MoU was reviewed during a stakeholder engagement meeting organised by MLW’s Field Sites Management Department from 8–10 July 2027 at MOGAS Lodge in Mangochi. The meeting brought together MLW representatives, Mangochi District Health Management Team (DHMT) members, and other key stakeholders to discuss areas of collaboration and strengthen coordination in support of health research activities in the district.

Speaking during the engagement, MLW Head of Field Sites Management Department, Chimwemwe Mateula Theu, said the meeting was an important step in strengthening collaboration with district authorities.

“This engagement is a critical part of our collaboration with district councils and district health offices, particularly in supporting MLW’s research work,” said Theu.

During the meeting, stakeholders reviewed the draft MoU, discussing key areas that will guide the relationship between MLW and the district, including coordination, communication, and support for research activities implemented in Mangochi.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Addressing Disengagement from HIV Care Among Vulnerable Populations, with a Focus on Mobile Fishing Communities in Malawi (MobArt) study team to brief stakeholders on the upcoming research project following visits to the identified host facilities.

The MobArt study, which will be implemented at Malombe and Makanjira Health Centres, aims to identify and evaluate interventions that improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among mobile populations, particularly fishing communities whose movement in search of livelihoods creates challenges in maintaining consistent HIV care.

Commenting on the relevance of the study, Makanjira Health Centre Officer-in-Charge, Asnet Chitekwe, said the intervention addresses a significant public health challenge in the area.

“Defaulting on ART remains a major concern in Makanjira because many fishermen move from one area to another to carry out their fishing activities, making continuity of care difficult,” said Chitekwe.

Mangochi District Medical Officer, Dr Victor Kumfunda, applauded MLW for organising the engagement, describing the development and review of the MoU as an important step towards strengthening the existing partnership.

He said formalising the relationship would improve coordination between MLW and the district while providing a framework that other development partners can follow when working with district authorities.

The meeting concluded with MLW Field Sites Management Manager, Chimwemwe Mateula Theu, presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to the Mangochi District Health Management Team in recognition of the strong and productive working relationship between the two institutions.