Scottish First Minister Visit
Scottish First Minister Visit
Visit of the Scottish First Minister
Scottish First Minister Visit
Scottish First Minister John Swinney has reaffirmed his governmen’s dedication to enhancing various sectors in Malawi, particularly the health sector. His remarks came during his first visit to Malawi, where he toured the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in Blantyre. Swinney explored the Mental Health Department’s consultation room, supported by the Scotland Malawi Mental Health Education Partnership (SMMHEP), as well as the Dental Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QECH). He highlighted Scotland’s ongoing partnership with Malawi, which focuses on transformative projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening education and healthcare. .
“We are witnessing the positive impact of the projects we fund. The improvements in the lives of Malawians are evident. I'm especially impressed by the achievements at the BT-BT Lab and the graduation of Malawi’s first locally trained dentists,” he stated. KUHeS Vice-Chancellor Professor Macpherson Mallewa expressed his appreciation for Scotland's continued support, emphasizing its significance for training healthcare professionals in Malawi.
“This visit holds great importance for KUHeS and Malawi as a whole. I could elaborate on numerous Scottish government projects that have significantly improved our health sector. KUHeS and Scotland recently celebrated two decades of a vibrant partnership, which has bolstered health education and research in Malawi,” he noted..
The partnership between Malawi and Scotland has a rich history rooted in mutual support, collaboration, and shared goals, particularly in health and education. The Scotland-Malawi partnership continues to evolve, focusing on achieving sustainable development goals and addressing the pressing needs of Malawians, particularly in health and education sectors.
University of glasgow Vice-Principal Visit
University of glasgow vice-principal commends KUHES for impactful research
Vice-principal of glasgow visit
University of Glasgow Vice-Principal, Professor Chris Pearce, has commended the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) for its outstanding research and the growing partnership between the two institutions.
During his visit to KUHeS at Mahatma Gandhi Campus in Blantyre, Professor Pearce toured several facilities, including the Sequencing and Tuberculosis laboratories, the Blantyre-Blantyre Project, and the construction site of the upcoming Dental School.
The visit highlighted areas of ongoing collaboration in research, innovation, and academic development. “It has been an absolute pleasure to visit KUHeS today. I have been impressed by the breadth and depth of collaboration between KUHeS and the University of Glasgow. I have met outstanding researchers doing science that truly changes lives. The warmth of the welcome I have received shows just how important this partnership is, and I am eager to see it continue to grow stronger in the years ahead,” said Professor Pearce.
He noted that his visit also provided an opportunity to explore new areas for cooperation, particularly in emerging fields of health research and education.
KUHeS Vice Chancellor, Professor Macpherson Mallewa, described the visit as a reaffirmation of the strong and enduring relationship between the two universities.
“Today is a great day because, for the second time, we are hosting a Vice-Principal from the University of Glasgow. Earlier this month, we welcomed the First Minister of Scotland and another Vice-Principal, Professor Iain McInnes. These visits reinforce the importance of this partnership one founded on shared values, mutual benefit, and long-term collaboration,” said Professor Mallewa.
Professor Mallewa emphasized that the partnership spans key areas such as research, training, and academic programming, all contributing to the growth of health education and research capacity in Malawi.
The KUHeS – University of Glasgow partnership continues to play a pivotal role in advancing science and improving health outcomes through collaborative research and innovation.
Construction of Dental School
Construction of Dental School
KUHES begins construction of Dental School and Student Innovation hub
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) officially commenced the construction of a state-of-the-art Dental School and Student Innovation Hub, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of dental education and health services in Malawi. The site handover ceremony was a moment of celebration and reflection, especially as it coincided with the graduation of the first cohort of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students trained in Malawi. .
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, the University Librarian Dr Diston Chiweza said the facility will help improve and advance health care in Malawi. “This start of the art facility will provide a collaborative learning environment fostering innovation creativity academic excellence in health care education. The dental school will offer cutting edge training for our students while the innovation will serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, research and community outreach,” he said.
The project is a collaborative effort led by the Maldent Scotland initiative, which has partnered with local stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of this vital facility. Maldent Project Coordinator Dr Peter Chimimba expressed gratitude for the journey that began back in September 2017 when discussions first arose about starting the BDS degree. “The new building is essential to the future of the BDS degree programme. As BDS student numbers are increasing, the capacity afforded by the new building is critical to the logistics of delivering the course. Without the building the BDS course will be unable to continue,” he said.
Importantly, the World Bank through the Skills for A Vibrant Economy (SAVE) Project has stepped in to fund the construction of the facility. Eventually, the new facility is envisioned as a Malawian center of excellence in oral health sciences at KUHeS. The project is set to benefit from the continued support of the Scottish Government, which has allocated funds for the purchase of dental units and preclinical training simulators.
