For the first time, occupational therapists in Malawi will gather under one roof for a national scientific conference of their own. OTAM is bringing together occupational therapists, occupational therapy technicians, students and partners from across the country — and from beyond its borders — for three days of practice, evidence and ideas.
A profession this size rarely has the chance to see itself whole. The conference is designed to change that: to put faces to names, to share what is working in wards, classrooms and village clinics, and to set a shared direction for the years ahead.
A profession this small cannot afford to work in silos. When we gather, we multiply.
Why a conference, why now
Occupational therapy in Malawi is growing — in numbers, in services and in ambition — but until now there has been no national platform where that growth could be compared, critiqued and celebrated. Practitioners in Blantyre often know little of what colleagues in the Northern Region are solving, and independent therapists can go years without professional contact.
A scientific conference is the classic answer to that isolation, and OTAM's constitution names it plainly: to encourage scientific research, to champion continuing professional development, and to connect therapists across every sector. The 2026 conference is all three, delivered at once.
What the programme looks like
The programme runs over three days and is built around parallel tracks, so that a paediatric therapist, a community-based rehabilitation coordinator and a student all find a full timetable. Each track blends invited speakers, submitted abstracts and hands-on workshops.
- Clinical practice: rehabilitation advances, assistive technology and case-based learning from Kachere, Sandi and district services.
- Education & research: workforce development, supervision of technicians, and first findings from Malawian-led studies.
- Community & inclusion: school-based therapy, disability advocacy and livelihoods work with partners nationwide.
Who should be in the room
Qualified occupational therapists and OT technicians practising in Malawi form the core of the conference, but the invitation is deliberately wide. Students are encouraged to attend and to submit — poster presentations by students have their own session. Associate members, allied professionals, NGO partners and institutional members are welcome, with a dedicated rate.
Abstract submission, registration and accommodation details are distributed through the association and member networks. If you are not yet a member, this is a very practical reason to become one.
Be part of the first
First conferences become footnotes in a profession's history — the moment the community took shape. OTAM wants the 2026 conference to be remembered for the quality of its science and the warmth of its welcome alike. Submit an abstract, share the call with a colleague, or write to the association about sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
