Radiography in Malawi was faced with so many challenges such as lack of proper equipment and maintenance, lack of motivation, inadequate and unqualified personnel in some facilities, inadequate radiation protection and monitoring services as well as lack of training opportunities. Most radiographers therefore felt that there was a great need to form an association that would address these challenges. 

The formation of a Radiographers Association of Malawi dates back to 1981 when the then Principal Radiography Tutor at the Lilongwe School of Health Sciences initiated the idea. However this did not materialize until May 1998 when a group of radiographers at the college and upgrading Radiography students – 1998 intake revived the idea. With the help of the Ministry of Health a first meeting was organized that was held at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe. A total of 40 Radiographers from all over Malawi attended the meeting. An Interim committee was formed to provide the groundwork on the drafting of a constitution and registration with the government.

In the same year a draft constitution was made and reviewed by a lawyer. However due to lack of funds, the registration process failed. In 2009 Mr Clifford Nkhoma and Mr Cowles Chilingulo revived the registration process. Another lawyer was identified who assisted (free of charge) with reviewing the draft constitution (making changes to the one that was drafted in 1998), providing the statutory declaration, and offering to be the Commissioner of Oaths. Seven (7) persons were identified to be the trustees as per requirement with the registration process. 

An application for registration was made with the Registrar General’s office in 2009. In 2010 the Registrar responded for the executive to submit missing documents. It took many years until in 2014 when a new executive committee was chosen. 

In November 2014 the association was registered by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

In September 2015, the first conference was held at Pacific Hotel in Lilongwe with the theme ‘Radiography: Guiding the Clinical Pathway’. Fifty two (52) Radiographers and three (3) Radiologists attended the conference during which research abstracts and case studies were presented.

The association was later registered with the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists in 2016 making it a member of the global community of Radiographers.

It is also registered with Human Resources for Health Coalition (HRHC) which is an umbrella for all health related Associations, Organizations and Unions in Malawi. 

The main objective of the association is to work with the various government institutions in advancing medical imaging, radiation therapy and allied services in the country and the following are our specific objectives;

1. To advance and maintain the highest professional standards among radiographers through education and research.

2. To promote and protect the rights and interests of all radiographers in Malawi.

3. To organize and carry out educational programs for its members.

4. To act as a registrar for all radiographers within Malawi.

5. To act as a representative body on behalf of all radiographers in and outside Malawi

6. To provide an advisory service for radiography issues in Malawi.

7. To provide a link between radiographers and Ministry of Health, Medical Council of Malawi and other relevant bodies in Malawi.

Prepared by C.A. Chilingulo, Blantyre Malaria Project, MRI Center.