Speaking during the symposium, the representative from the Ministry of Health, Holystone Kafandikhale explained that government appreciates the role MUBAS WASHTED is performing to improve the health sector by using research.

“We know as an academia, you are producing a lot of professionals, these are of great value because they are assisting government in the areas of health and hygiene. The majority of the work force in the NGOs are coming from this institution,” said Kafandikhale.

Kafandikhale added that as a Ministry they also understand the importance of research which institutions are making because it assists them to understand the implications and importance of certain aspects and interventions in the public and private health sector.

In his remarks, the Acting Vice Principal Dr Betchani Tchereni, started by welcoming all the participants to the premier institution that creates a culture of excellence, research and entrepreneurship.

“Research can only be important if it is generating relevant knowledge, we are here to appreciate some relevant knowledge that has been generated. Whatever research we are doing here, needs to transcends not only to interventionist practices from NGOs and government but also something that can be used to generate input. Hence the private sector involvement,” said Dr Tchereni.

Later, the seminar progressed with presentations from different participants on different research findings.

Rosarine Malolo from United Purpose presented on a study which was titled; Amplifying local voices to reduce failures in the Sub-Saharan Africa wash sector.

Kondwani Luwe made a presentation about Sanitation for Urban Inclusion Transformation and Equity (SUITE) in low and middle income countries.

Other topics included Hand Hygiene behaviour change implementation in primary schools and Healthcare facility guardian waiting shelters; and COVID - 19 exploratory study in Blantyre Healthcare facilities by Kondwani Chidziwisano and Mindy Panulo respectively.