As a way of upholding the bar of excellence and discipline within the work setting, MLW oriented staff on the Safeguarding Policy that was developed to address and prevent harm to study participants and the public in communities where MLW conducts research.

The Safeguarding Policy was shared and discussed during engagement with staff between 9 and 14 August 2021.
Safeguarding Officer Elizabeth Mkutumula urged staff to internalise the Safeguarding Policy by implementing it into their everyday discussions and by sharing relevant knowledge and skills that can help in spearheading the policy.

“Now that the members of staff have been made aware of what safeguarding is and their responsibilities towards it, I believe it will change how they will interact with participants, community members each other. The policy will also ensure that MLW is a safe working environment for all.

“Given that safeguarding may be a new topic to some, I hope that we will continue to engage each other in safeguarding conversations,” she said.

Safeguarding Training Consultant Esau Chinkwezule said the safeguarding initiative seeks to protect the reputation of MLW as a prestigious research hub. He echoed Mkutumula’s sentiments saying the training is vital in ensuring that the working environment at MLW remains leveled for all without cases of abuse.

“This is a precautionary measure that MLW is taking to ensure that the organisation and community continue moving in the same direction in efforts to improve health standards and living conditions of the country,” said Chinkwezule.

Commenting after the training, one of the staff at MLW Bright Mnesa commended the organisation for the training because he considered it an eye-opener on how staff can conduct themselves within and outside the organisation.