Malawi-UNC; PI Charles van der Horst, MD

Fellowship Site: Malawi-Lilongwe

The UNC Project is in Lilongwe, Malawi.  Over the past 16 years, this project has been active in conducting research and training, as well as providing general medical care, HIV and STI diagnoses and care, and administering the PMTCT program for the city of Lilongwe.

Research Opportunities:

Trainees will be able to do clinical research in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in adults and children, STI treatment and prevention, treatment of opportunistic infections including cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculosis, treatment of malignancies, treatment and prevention of trauma/injury and burns, and malaria vaccines.

Housing Availability:

Trainees will live in housing (constructed in 2007) provided by UNC Project next door to Tidziwe Center and Kamuzu Central Hospital allowing them to easily and safely walk to work (for approximately $300/month). Housing includes wireless internet access, a kitchen, and digital television along with a cook and 24 hour guard.  UNC Project also has a vehicle which Scholars can share for transport to nearby restaurants and attractions. Student office space is available in the UNC Project Tidziwe Center.

Health Issues:

Malawi has malaria so scholars will need to take prophylaxis.

For more information see the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Web site and The Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel.

The FICRS program mandates that all Scholars see a physician prior to their assignment abroad

Safety Issues:

See the U.S. State Department Web site for information. Although petty theft does happen, violent crime is rare.

Language requirement other than English:

Although most patients only speak Chichewa, all of the health professionals (nurses, laboratory researchers and clinicians) speak English including all of the government staff. The Peace Corps training program provides tutors to students for weekly Chichewa classes. Translators are readily available when needed.

What is it like to live in Malawi?

Most people enjoy living in Lilongwe.  It’s relatively small size makes it amenable to spontaneous meetings with friends, even if they live on the other side of town.  There are numerous social activities that one can become involved including volleyball league, the HASH (running group), ultimate Frisbee, movie night, football matches, and sailing club.  For those who enjoy the nightlife, there are several bars where one can hear live Malawian music.  There is also a cultural centre in Lilongwe where traditional song and dance can be experienced.  The nature sanctuary is a quiet escape in the middle of town.  Lilongwe’s location in the middle of the country provides easy access to all of Malawi where beach weekends at the breath taking Lake Malawi, hiking and stunning national parks await