Across six countries, 25 embedded research teams worked with immunization programmes to generate and apply evidence in real time. This led to measurable improvements in programme implementation at subnational level, including increased adherence to vaccination schedules in Ebolowa district, Cameroon (from 64% to 85%), reduced response times to zero-dose alerts in a union council in Lahore, Pakistan (from 10 days to 3), and improved acceptability of vaccine services in Toamasina I and Mahanoro districts, Madagascar (from 56% to 86%). Additional studies informed more targeted outreach through geospatial mapping in Malawi and identified missed opportunities for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination within routine service delivery. https://ahpsr.who.int/newsroom/news/item/24-04-2026-embedded-implementation-research-in-immunization-programmes
THE MAINSTREAM DISSEMINATION CLOSE OUT CONFERENCE
The Mainstream Project in Malawi used embedded implementation research to strengthen immunization systems and improve equitable vaccine coverage, focusing on zero-dose children and HPV vaccination. Through three district-level studies, the project showed that geospatial and modelling approaches can effectively identify zero-dose hotspots, simple screening tools can support routine identification of unvaccinated children, and integrated service delivery models are needed to reduce missed HPV vaccination opportunities. Overall, the findings emphasize evidence-based decision making, community engagement, service integration, and stakeholder commitment to translate research into policy and practice for improved immunization outcomes in Malawi.
2025 World Sight Day
World Sight Day 2025 presents an opportunity to amplify awareness of eye health and emphasize people-centered care. The main objectives that were mainly focused this year were; Increasing public awareness, Promoting access to eye care services, Drive engagement, Strengthen partnerships (with corporate organizations and community institutions) and Boosting clinic foot traffic through promotions aligned with World Sight Day and Mother's Day.
2025 Research Dissemination Conference
2025 Research Dissemination Conference' theme was "Multidisciplinary Health Research and Innovation Key to Economic Development". BICO, through the Mainstream-WHO project attended the conference which was held at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre. This is where the Mainstream teams presented their research projects and were mainly focused on; Accessibility of feasibility of an immunization screening tool to identify under vaccinated children and fine Scale Mapping of areas of Zero-dose hotspot using model based geostatistical methods.
BICO Donated a13-Seater Landcruiser to ministry of Health
A powerful symbol of hope and mobility rolled into the Ministry of Health headquarters this week: a brand-new 13-seater Landcruiser ambulance, gifted by the Blantyre Institute for Community Outreach (BICO). But this is not just any vehicle, it is a game-changer for Malawi’s national eye health system.
ONCHO Coverage Surveys Dissemination Meetings
BICO, as an independent entity, conducted mass drug administration (MDA) coverage surveys in eight Onchocerciasis-endemic districts in Malawi—namely Ntcheu, Mwanza, Chikwawa, Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Mulanje, Zomba, and Phalombe—following drug distribution campaigns carried out between October and December 2024. Based on the survey findings, BICO organized dissemination meetings in two of the surveyed districts, Chikwawa and Blantyre, held on 1st and 2nd July 2025, respectively, at the district health offices. The purpose of these meetings was to present the survey results, including geographical and therapeutic coverage as well as associated factors, and to identify areas for improvement. To ensure effective engagement, the meetings were attended by program implementers, along with representatives from the Ministry of Health's Neglected Tropical Diseases Department and BICO.
Malawi ONCHO MDA Coverage Surveys
BICO is conducting coverage surveys in eight Onchocerciasis-endemic districts: Blantyre, Mwanza, Mulanje, Phalombe, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Ntcheu, and Zomba, following Mass Drug Administration (MDA) conducted between October and December 2024. Initially, the program extended to Thyolo and Neno districts but has since stopped after recent study found that the presence of Onchocerciasis in these districts has dwindled. This activity is implemented by BICO to compare the results as presented by the MoH to what is actually on the ground. The Survey will seek to address the Ivermectin geographical and therapeutic coverages and their associated reasons including the MDA method used, protocol adherence and side effects recorded.
Mainstream Contract Signing Ceremony
BICO, through the Mainstream-WHO project held a contract signing ceremony with 3 PI teams. This ceremony marks the beginning of team-based activities through this project. Prof Khumbo Kalua chaired the meeting and Ms. Jane Dzoole who presented Dr. Mike Chisema was the guest of honor.
BICO-WHO Protocol Development Workshop
Blantyre Institute for Community Outreach (BICO) serves as the mentor institute for the WHO-Alliance Mainstream Project in Implementation Science. Currently, BICO is hosting a Protocol Development Workshop in Mangochi, bringing together three selected research teams to refine their proposals in preparation for the project rollout. The workshop is focused on equipping participants with a deeper understanding of key concepts, including implementation science in immunization, situation analysis of immunization in Malawi, and research design methodologies. These research teams are benefiting from the guidance of esteemed experts such as Dr. Mitch Matoga, Dr. Donnie Mategula, Ms. Jane Dzoole, Dr. Vincent Jumbe, Dr. Blessings Kaunda, Dr. Wanangwa Manda, Dr. Effie Chipeta, and Mr. Gabriel Maliwata. Their mentorship is integral in shaping the teams' capacity to address critical challenges and implement evidence-based strategies in…
Donation of Stethoscopes to KUHES Students
On December 6, 2024, Blantyre Institute for Community Outreach (BICO) donated stethoscopes to 52 medical students at Kamuzu University of Health and Sciences (KUHEs) who were transitioning to their clinical years of study. The donation was a response to a shortage of essential medical equipment, particularly stethoscopes, which was hindering the students’ practical training. The ceremony, attended by students, faculty, and the head of the department, celebrated BICO’s generous support, especially for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. [video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://bicomalawi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VID-20241220-WA0006.mp4"][/video] [video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://bicomalawi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VID-20241220-WA0007.mp4"][/video]