A team from DCCMS visited MUBAS to learn more about the department’s ongoing air quality monitoring project. Through this meeting, DCCMS revealed that they have started using data generated by the MUBAS Air Quality Team to come up with Air Quality Forecast Bulletins for Malawi.  

Speaking during the meeting, Chief Meteorologist responsible for Engineering, Communication and Climate Services at DCCMS Hussein Milanzi, commended the initiative saying that it will bridge existing gaps in Malawi's environmental monitoring framework.

“Air quality monitoring has been a major gap in our department. We have recently started issuing air quality forecasts but we lacked observational data to validate and strengthen our models. Collaborating with MUBAS, who are generating such data, is crucial for us to enhance our services for the benefit of Malawians,” Milanzi said.

The project team leader and associate professor at MUBAS Dr. Chikumbusko Kaonga, said the meeting was very crucial considering that DCCMS has already begun utilizing MUBAS data to enrich their bulletins.

"This demonstrates the importance of our project. Together, we'll provide timely and reliable air quality information to Malawians. The data generated is already informing decision-making and improving public awareness. Given the impact of air pollution on health and well-being, it's essential for Malawi to take air quality issues seriously,” Kaonga said.

Kaonga further disclosed that discussions are underway to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining specific areas of cooperation.  

Since the project's inception, MUBAS has installed several air quality monitors across the country, with plans to reach 20 in the near future. Interest has also grown from other stakeholders, including the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) and the University of Malawi ((UNIMA), who are all eager to collaborate.