The delegates from these sectors visited the Polytechnic on Wednesday. April 22, 2020 where they were taken through on how the materials and equipment could perform in the fight against the COVID 19.

Equipment and materials showcased were;low cost ventilators, 3D printable reusable face masks,  drones, plastic face shields for safety of medical practitioners, hand sanitizers, pedal operated water dispensers, wheelchair bed for transporting patients and a portable solar cooler.

Speaking after the tour, the country representative of the World Food Program, representing the UN, Benoit Thiry said that he has been impressed with what the Polytechnic is producing regarding the pandemic.

“We have funds available which the UN will consider supporting research, and production of the materials and also we are planning on purchasing the already produced face masks in thousands,” Thiry said.

In his remarks, the Secretary for Health in the Ministry of Health Dr Dan Namarika described the innovation as brilliant work since it is providing solution to things that matter even beyond the Corona Virus disease.

“We have seen products that are completed and ready to be procured and be used. It is the interest of the government that it will  purchase most of them,” Dr Namalika said.

He further explained that currently the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital has purchased 3000 face shields from the Polytechnic.

“Those that are completed and meet our standards are surely going to be taken, as  government it is our policy to ensure that all employees are protected in this pandemic,” he added.

The University Chair of Council Dr Billy Gama outlined that as University of Malawi apart from just imparting knowledge it is also responsible to do research and come up with skills which could be beneficial to the society.

The Principal, Professor Grant Kululanga thanked the delegates for their presence and support to the institution and the COVID 19 task force.