NMCM AND MLW RESEARCH PROGRAMME STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION ON NURSING REGULATION AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
The Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi (NMCM) and the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme (MLW) held an engagement meeting at the Kapeni 2 MLW Blantyre Campus to discuss institutional updates, regulatory mandates, and opportunities for collaboration in strengthening nursing practice within clinical research settings. The meeting was chaired by Yohane Saezi, Compensation and Benefits Manager at MLW, and attended by senior representatives from both institutions, including the Acting Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Acting Director for Professional Practice and Conduct, and CPD Specialist from NMCM. MLW highlighted the critical role of nurses in clinical research, noting their significant contribution to major studies, including the Typhoid Vaccine trial, maternal health, and rotavirus studies. It was emphasised that clinical research activities closely align with core nursing competencies, making nurses essential to the quality and integrity of research. MLW also reported that CPD has been compulsory since its establishment, although training opportunities may sometimes create concerns among nurses regarding job security. MLW therefore called for greater advocacy and support from NMCM to help balance professional development with organisational requirements. NMCM reaffirmed its statutory mandate as the regulatory body for nursing and midwifery education, training, practice, registration, licensing, and professional conduct in Malawi under the Nurses and Midwives Act No. 16 of 1995. The Council emphasised that nursing practice encompasses four key domains: clinical practice, education, management, and research—and that the increasing involvement of nurses in research represents an important expansion and strengthening of the profession. NMCM further stressed the importance of compliance with CPD and licensing requirements in maintaining professional standards and protecting the public. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and maintaining open communication on regulatory and professional matters. NMCM’s enforcement of CPD and licensing requirements, together with MLW’s institutional support for professional development, was recognised as essential to ensuring that nurses working in research settings remain compliant while advancing their careers. The institutions agreed to address outstanding registration and licensing issues promptly and continue working together to promote professional standards, continuous development, and high-quality clinical research.
