New MRI Grand Opening Ceremony

June 23, 2008

On June 23 in Blantyre, Malawi, research into cerebral malaria has taken a giant step forward thanks to the installation of Malawi's first MRI machine at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Representatives from MSU, MSUCOM, and Malawian officials participated in the ceremony which marks the culmination of years of work and effort by Dr. Terrie Taylor, Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. James Potchen, Department of Radiology and many other major contributors.

The MRI was generously donated by General Electric. It was assembled in China where it was then shipped to South Africa where it made the long journey by road to landlocked Malawi. The MRI is expected to provide new insights into cerebral malaria by providing new insights into the progression of the disease.

Cerebral malaria is a deadly disease which kills two million children in sub-Saharan Africa every year.

A Malawian Child in the new MRI.	MSUCOM constructed the building which the MRI is housed.
AOA President Dr. Peter Ajluni toured a ward at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital with Dr. Terrie Taylor, who heads the cerebral malaria research program supported by the new MRI.	A child receives care in a ward at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi.
Dean William D. Strampel of MSUCOM and Dr. Terrie Taylor flank the plaque which commemorates the dedication of the MRI on June 23.