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Diversity in Health Economics: An Early Career Researcher’s View

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NIHR-GHRG Steering Group Meeting 2025

The NIHR-GHRG Steering Group Meeting 2025 brought together researchers, policymakers, and institutional partners in Blantyre to reflect on progress, share insights, and shape the next phase of work to improve adolescent health and wellbeing in Malawi. With presentations across six Work Strands and leadership from key ministries, the meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to youth-centred, evidence-driven impact.

It’s not just a process! Co-designing workshops also strengthens Mental Health

“It’s Not Just a Process: Co-Designing WASH Interventions Also Strengthens Mental Health”

During Mental Health Awareness Week, NIHR-GHRG Work Strand 4 (WASH and Adolescent Health) reflects on how community-led co-design workshops have supported more than just sanitation solutions – they’ve nurtured adolescent mental wellbeing.

By bringing together adolescents, parents, teachers, health workers, and local leaders to collaboratively design interventions, we created safe, inclusive spaces where young people felt heard and valued. Discussions around menstruation, bullying, and hygiene facilities became gateways for building trust, empathy, and dignity—key pillars of mental health.

This experience reinforces a vital truth: community-driven participation isn’t just about solving problems – it’s a powerful act of collective care.

Listening Differently: WS6 Trains for Child-Centred Research on Adolescent Wellbeing in Blantyre

The Team researching on Inspiring Adolescent Wellbeing (WS6) recently completed a week-long training in Blantyre, Malawi, preparing researchers to explore how adolescents aged 10–14 perceive their social and emotional wellbeing. The training focused on ethical research practices, adapting tools into Chichewa, and using innovative storytelling methods to engage young participants. This participatory and narrative-driven approach aims to create a safe, child-centred environment where adolescents can share what truly matters to them.

Co-Designing of Water Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Interventions Continues in Blantyre City

“I have liked this meeting because it was safe. There was not that this one is old, and this one is young. We were all doing things as one.” (Male adolescent attendee) Work Strand 4 (WASH team) of the NIHR Global Research Group on Improving Adolescent Health &...

Breaking the Chains of Child Marriage in Malawi: A New Dawn for Girls

Imagine being forced into marriage before finishing school, with your dreams set aside by tradition and poverty. For many young girls in Malawi, this is a reality, as the country’s child marriage rate remains at a staggering 37.7%—almost double the global average. Despite efforts to end this practice, the question remains: why does it persist, and what can be done to change it?

Finally, the chance to return!

By Dr. Tara Beattie My last visit to Malawi was just before Covid19 hit in 2020, and obviously during the pandemic opportunity to come out was very restricted. I was then disappointed I couldn’t attend the project launch meeting in November 2022. So when the...

 Exploring Adolescent Health in Malawi: A Journey through Longitudinal Insights

Welcome to our blog, where we embark on a fascinating journey investigating the   complexities of early adolescent health and well-being in the vibrant landscape of Malawi. Join us as we explain the stories, challenges, and triumphs encountered in our...

Navigating New Horizons: A PhD Student’s Reflections and Discoveries

~ by Velia Manyonga -University of Strathclyde (Scotland) I was very excited when I was offered the scholarship to study PhD in Social Policy with the University of Strathclyde. For years, I harbored a strong desire to further my education, but financial constraints...

Tackling Adverse Childhood Events, A Key to Achieving Adolescents’ Health Rights

On this World Health Day, we advocate for the fundamental right to health for all, including adolescents who are shaping our future. However, for many young people, their health journey is marred by the shadow of Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs), which profoundly...

Leveraging water for peace: a way to go! Understanding young people’s experiences would be helpful, right?

Lack of access to safe and adequate water supply remains a challenge globally, but especially in sub-Saharan Africa. With a predominately youthful population in this region, this is a challenge that continues to blight the lives of young people. In Malawi nearly half...

Blog

October 28, 2023

Attending the International Health Economics Association (IHEA) Congress was an incredibly insightful and enriching experience. The event brought together a diverse group of health economists from all over the world.

Pre-Congress Sessions:

 The first couple of days were very insightful. I spent my time learning about healthcare resource tracking and the National Health Accounts, and the status of implementation across the world. The speakers from the World Health Organisation, Global Financing Facility and regional representatives were insightful. I also had the opportunity to attend sessions that were designated for early career researchers.

Congress and Networking:

The congress was packed with a wide range of sessions and workshops, making it challenging to choose which ones to attend. I focused on topics related to resource tracking, healthcare priority setting and resource allocation, and economic evaluation of health interventions. The Q&A sessions following the presentations allowed for engaging discussions and the opportunity to ask questions to experts in the field. My favourite session was chaired by health economists from the Ministry of Health of Malawi, and they shared their experience implementing resource tracking tools. The session was very informative as it addressed some key issues for my PhD work.

Along with the sessions, the organisers also hosted galas and dinners which were great opportunities for networking. Alec introduced me to health economists working in different sectors. I also had the opportunity to mingle with several classmates. 

Key Takeaways and Reflection:

 I left with a deeper understanding of current trends and challenges in health economics, as well as a network of contacts that I plan to stay in touch with. The knowledge and insights gained from the various sessions will undoubtedly impact my work and contribute to my professional growth in the field. 

Lastly, the choice of venue for the congress was excellent. The amazing view of the Table Mountain, ocean, and the beautiful city, coupled with delicious wines, made for a once in lifetime experience. Overall, my experience at the IHEA Congress was both educational and inspiring. (Blog by Monica P. Malata: Health Economics PhD Candidate at the Kamuzu University of Health and Applied Sciences in Malawi, 2023)

More from us ….

NIHR-GHRG Steering Group Meeting 2025
NIHR-GHRG Steering Group Meeting 2025

Strengthening Strategy, Celebrating Progress, and Reaffirming Commitment The NIHR-funded Global Health Research Group (GHRG) on Improving Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Malawi held its annual Steering Group Meeting in Blantyre, Malawi, on 21 May 2025. This...