LILONGWE, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Peking University School of Public Health Tuesday awarded an honorary professorship degree in global health to the First Lady of Malawi in recognition of her commitment towards advancing public health issues in Malawi and Africa.
The Malawi first lady received the award at Golden Peacock Hotel in the country's capital Lilongwe during the unveiling ceremony of the Malawi Participatory Rural Development Organization health research and training collaborating center.
The Malawi collaborating center is the first overseas health research and teaching center by Peking University.
During the award presentation, Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Wang Shiting applauded Madame Mutharika for her devotion to education, sanitation, public health for the well being of all Malawians and for standing out as a role model.
"In pursuing a healthy and clean Malawi, Her Excellency spares no efforts in improving the medical and health conditions in Malawi, especially for the vulnerable people," Wang said.
He added that the establishment of the collaboration center indicates the determination and dedication China has in helping Malawi in the public health sector.
"We are sure with this joint effort, more Malawians will have access to quality health care thereby injecting a fresh momentum into the social and economic development of Malawi," he said.
In her remarks, Madame Mutharika dedicated the award to all health workers in the country, saying they are the people making public health services a success.
"This Professorship is not just about me. It is about all those people who dedicate their life to public health work in our country. I want to celebrate with all Malawians who work tirelessly in the fight against HIV and AIDS, maternal and child mortality and cancers," Mutharika said.
She further stated that the launch of the health research and training collaborating centre will help in combating public health challenges in Malawi.
"I am confident that this event today is a door that has opened increased opportunities and benefits for both China and Malawi. Our partnership with Peking University will be a platform for more exchange programmes in capacity building and human resource development," she said.
