MLW’s Chief Operating Officer Aubrey Chalira says fieldworkers are a crucial and integral part of health and clinical research. Chalira said this during the first-ever Fieldworkers’ General Meeting held on 17 December 2021 at MLW in Blantyre.

“We appreciate the work that fieldworkers do at MLW. MLW has adopted several initiatives to address the challenges (including welfare issues) currently affecting fieldworkers’ duties,” said Chalira.

Community Engagement Coordinator Elvis Moyo said the Fieldworkers General meeting falls under a series of initiatives that are aimed to coordinate Fieldworker’s affairs but most especially challenges.

“The challenges Fieldworkers face require multiple approaches. For instance, for ethical-related problems, we are designing a training curriculum for the cadre that each fieldworker will be expected to attend in 2022. For operational problems, we are drafting Standard Operating Procedures and guidelines to standardize the support rendered to fieldworkers. Ad hoc meetings with the cadre will be part of our plans in 2022 to help exchange information and plans,” Moyo pointed out.

SAINTS study field worker Fletcher Nangupeta from Chikwawa thanked MLW for conducting the meeting which according to him has established a good relationship between the fieldworkers.

“This is the first time to see such a big crowd of fieldworkers gathered together to discuss ways in which we can improve our work and get help where there is need.  It was the first time for field workers to come together in such a large number. This has strengthened interactions and ties,” said Nangupeta.

The Fieldworkers Initiative comprises all activities done to improve the way MLW supports and manages fieldworkers while working in research studies.