Umoyo N’kukambirana Podcast
The Umoyo Nkukambirana radio program is one of MLW’s Public Engagement flagship projects, launched in 2008 to bridge the divide between researchers and the public on health research information. The program is aired live weekly on Times radio, every Saturday from 11am to 12 noon. The 1-hour program is then repeated on MBC Radio 1 and three other community radio stations namely Tigabane Radio, Umunthu FM and YONECO FM.
MLW also works with eight radio listening clubs across Malawi who engage with the program, share feedback, co-create content and conduct community outreach activities.
To date, the program has aired more than 1,200 weekly episodes.
Podcast Insights
Tune In to Our Latest Episodes
Welcome to our podcast, where we share engaging discussions and insights. Each episode dives into various topics, making sure to keep things lively and informative. Join us as we explore fresh perspectives and share stories that resonate. Don’t miss out on any episode—let’s embark on this journey together!
Men’s Mental health
We have wrapped up the May conversation on the EPIMAL Study, which focused on exploring the efficacy of the malaria vaccine. We'll now delve into the topic of Mental Health, this June. Mental health is one of the rising public health challenges both in our context and globally. June is Men's Health Awareness month, therefore, we will be dedicating this week's episode to men, with a special focus on Men's Mental Health.
September
Ulumali Wakusamva Part 1
This Saturday, September 14, 2024, the Umoyo N’kukambirana Radio Programme will spotlight hearing impairement as a public health concern. In recognition of the global observance of the last week of September dedicated to celebrating the deaf community, MLW will take this opportunity to delve into the issues surrounding the hard of hearing and share insights from recent research.
Ulumali Wakusamva Part 2
The Continuation of Ulumali Wakusamva Radio Episode - Part two
October
No episodes found for this month.
November
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – Part 1
This week, we will be joined by Dr. Bright Nkunika from the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – Part 2
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Radio Episode part two.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – Part 3
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Radio Episode part three.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – Part 4
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Radio Episode part four.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – Part 5
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Radio Episode part five.
December
HIV and AIDS epidemic in Malawi
December is a month designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for global reflection on the fight against HIV and AIDS. In today's episode of Umoyo N'kukambirana, We will discuss the current status of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Malawi. Stay tuned to learn more about the ongoing efforts and their impact in addressing this epidemic.
January
Meningitis Part 1
Meningitis is a major public health threat that claimed over 200,000 lives globally in 2019 alone, with the majority of cases occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. This devastating disease demands urgent action at both regional and national levels. On this week’s episode of the Umoyo N’kukambiran Radio Programme, we will explore the ongoing challenge of meningitis in the region, discussing its relevance and the steps needed to combat this life-threatening condition within the country.
Meningitis Part 3
The Continuation of Meningitis Radio Episode - Part three
Meningitis Part 2
The Continuation of Meningitis Radio Episode - Part two. The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme is set to conduct a study called "Dried Spot," which will explore the use of the dried spot method, currently employed for HIV testing, to assess its efficacy in testing for Meningitis.
February
Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) – Part 1
In 2020, MLW conducted the first ever feasibility study of the Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM). In this model, healthy volunteers are intentionally exposed to pathogens in a controlled setting to better understand the pathogenesis, transmission, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in humans. This process helps researchers discover vaccines and medications that work well for people. The model has since been adopted to address various challenges including vaccine efficacy and disease prevention.
Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) – Part 3
Tuberculosis (TB) remains the world’s leading infectious disease killer. In 2023, TB claimed about 1.25 million lives globally with the majority of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Despite global efforts led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate TB by 2030, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these initiatives. In response, the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme is launching a study using the Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) to investigate the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine for TB. This study aims to assess the long-term effectiveness of the BCG vaccine, and the results are expected to inform the identification of other vaccines to help reduce the TB burden in Malawi.
Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) – Part 4
As we wrap up the month of February, this week's Umoyo N’kukambirana radio program highlights the novel Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM)—a research method where disease-causing organisms are deliberately introduced to healthy participants to study immune reactions. The February 22nd episode will explore the benefits of this model and highlight the examples of clinical trials conducted using this approach.
Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) – Part 2
This episode of Umoyo N'kukambirana radio programme focuses on the world’s first-ever Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) trial in People Living with HIV. This groundbreaking study has demonstrated the acceptability, safety, and feasibility of experimental challenges in this group. Tune in as our researchers dive deep into the study and reveal fascinating insights from the findings.
March
Streptococcus Bacteria A (STREP A) – Part 1
We're shifting our focus this month to discussing a critical ongoing study at MLW on Streptococcus bacteria A (STREP A), a major health threat in low-income countries. About 500,000 die every year from STREP A related diseases.
Streptococcus Bacteria A (STREP A) – Part 2
In today's episode we proceed with our discussions on STREP A bacteria. Our focus today is on Community Surveillance.
Streptococcus Bacteria A (STREP A) – Part 3
In this episode, we will focus on hospital surveillance of STREP A related diseases such as rheumatic heart disorder and kidney failure. Further, the experts will discuss the criteria and eligibility of the study participants.
Streptococcus Bacteria A (STREP A) – Part 4
Bacterial infections, especially Strep A, not only affect health but also bring high costs for individuals and healthcare systems. In our tomorrow's episode, we’ll discuss a study that measures these financial impacts on communities and hospitals.
Streptococcus Bacteria A (STREP A) – Part 5
In the last episode about Strep A bacteria, we will talk about the SAVAC study. This study looks at how often Strep A throat and skin infections happen in different age groups, how the bacteria spread, resist medicines, and how poor use of antibiotics community is contributing to spread of Strep A bacteria. Experts will also discuss what they hope to find, how they will share the results, and how they are involving the community.
April
Lung-Covid Study – Part 1
COVID-19 has taught us crucial lessons in public health, pushing us to ask tough questions about our preparedness for future pandemics. In response, the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme launched the Lung-Covid study to deepen our understanding of how COVID-19 impacts immunity and pave the way for future vaccines.
Lung COVID Study – Part 2
The Continuation of Lung COVID study Radio Episode - Part two
Lung COVID Study – Part 3
We’re taking a closer look at the Lung-COVID Study and the process participants go through once they’re enrolled. Our special guests will guide us through each step of this important research.
Lung COVID Study – Part 4
As we wrap up this month’s Umoyo N’kukambirana radio program series, which focused on the Long-COVID study being conducted by the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, in April we have highlighted the study’s aim of understanding current immunity against COVID-19 and generating knowledge to inform future vaccine development.
May
Malaria Vaccine (EPIMAL) – Part 1
Welcome to May! This month, our focus shifts to discussing Malaria and a very important study MLW is doing on the disease called EPIMAL. The EPIMAL study which is coming to an end aims to test the effectiveness of a vaccine to prevent malaria in children.
Malaria Vaccine (EPIMAL) – Part 3
Beyond testing the effectiveness of the malaria vaccine in children under five, the EPIMAL study is also examining individuals who are currently or have been hospitalized with malaria. Additionally, the study aims to identify any other illnesses that may arise in children following vaccination and investigate if there's a relationship.
Malaria Vaccine (EPIMAL) – Part 4
Following our in-depth discussion on EPIMAL's examination of children hospitalized with malaria and its aim to identify post-vaccination illnesses, this week we'll explore participant home follow-ups. We'll discuss why these visits are crucial, what data is collected, and its relevance to the study.
Malaria Vaccine (EPIMAL) – Part 5
We conclude our discussions about the EPIMAL study with a focus on its yearly exercise which evaluates malaria prevalence in vaccine distribution areas to determine if the vaccines are effectively preventing the disease.
June
Men’s Mental health
We have wrapped up the May conversation on the EPIMAL Study, which focused on exploring the efficacy of the malaria vaccine. We'll now delve into the topic of Mental Health, this June. Mental health is one of the rising public health challenges both in our context and globally. June is Men's Health Awareness month, therefore, we will be dedicating this week's episode to men, with a special focus on Men's Mental Health.