University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Project Malawi Associate Professor Dr. Lameck Chinula has received the prestigious Constance B. Wofsy Women’s Health Investigator Award.
Dr. Chinula who has been one of the key researchers of cervical cancer in Malawi, received the award at the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Network annual meeting in Washington D.C USA.
The award is given to individuals in honourship of previous renowned medical known scientists who contributed a lot to the advances for treating women living with HIV and made significant contribution to research.
It considers those who have demonstrated ability to support or mentor young researchers and those engaged in caring for women living with HIV and those who contribute significantly to priority areas for girls and women living with HIV in as far as research is concerned.
He considered it a great honour to receive the award in recognition of the contributions he has made so far in the field of research for people living with HIV particularly women living with the virus. The obstetrician and gynecologist clarified that being an honorary award, it’s not one which would give him resources to do further work, but it’s one which recognizes his contribution in the medical field.
“As a country I think we should be proud that one of us, in this case me has been recognized on the global world. Actually this among people who are seeking can contribute to scientific advances in research for people largely women living with HIV.
“For us to have one of us a Malawian being an awardee for this kind of an award that goes to not just people in the region but they do recognize people worldwide, is a special honour and I think it also speaks a lot to the fact that we are contributing to advances in medical field for illnesses or conditions or problems that do affect us.
“For example cervical cancer, HIV is a huge problem in Malawi and for us to be part of those who contribute to advances, we feel is actually special. We are generating solutions to issues that affect Malawians and not just taking out things that have been found elsewhere and practicing them in Malawi”.
The medical practitioner further indicated the development makes Malawi part of those contributing to these advances, medical science that benefit Malawians and beyond Malawians.
He acknowledged the many findings demonstrating that cervical cancer can be eliminated and no longer be a disease of public health concern but Malawi has nonetheless struggled in this area.
According to him, some of the factors have to do with the health systems, the community, technological advances and infrastructure.
Currently, the country does not have radiotherapy services available to an average Malawian.
At Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), radiotherapy infrastructure is being put up and until this is in place, the health expert cautioned Malawi will still experience deaths from cervical cancer.
He underscored the need for community awareness on the cervical cancer vaccine, bringing the targeted girls to get vaccinated and on the need for women to know about screening and accessing these services.
The Clinical researcher said those with the disease need to get optimal treatment that is integrated to achieve the desired impact.
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