Visit by Flying Faculty Team for Teaching Delivery of BDS students at KUHes
Visit by Flying Faculty Team for Teaching Delivery of BDS students at KUHes
Visit by Flying Faculty team to deliver teaching for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery students at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Since the inception of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree programme at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in 2019, there have been several visits by dental academics and clinicians from outwith Malawi to provide additional teaching support for the local staff team. Restorative Dentistry is a core component of the BDS degree and for much of the content it is important that the teaching is face-to-face, as it is a very practical discipline that does not lend itself to on-line teaching.
From 13th – 17th July 2026 a team of six Restorative Dentistry specialists visited KUHeS:
Four were from the University of Glasgow, UK, one from the University of Liverpool ,UK and one from the University of Western Cape, SA. The teaching was delivered in multiple formats:
It was especially gratifying that two of the first cohort of Malawian trained dentists, who have now completed their internships, participated as teachers under supervision of the Flying Faculty members.
In addition, discussions were held with MEIRU, the Blantyre-Blantyre Laboratory and the KUHeS Department of Public Health, which identified several potential areas for collaborative oral health research.
M&E Indicator Harmonization and Validation Workshop
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Indicator Harmonization and Validation Workshop
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), with support from the Scottish Government, is conducting an Indicator Harmonization and Validation Workshop as part of the implementation of the University's Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System. The workshop brings together internal teams and key external stakeholders to review, harmonize, and validate strategic performance indicators that will guide the measurement of institutional performance and impact.
The validation process ensures that all indicators are relevant, measurable, aligned with national higher education priorities, and capable of supporting evidence-based planning, decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The workshop is attended by representatives from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology – Higher Education Department, the Higher Education Students' Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB), and the Nurses and Midwives Council
The workshop is attended by representatives from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology – Higher Education Department, the Higher Education Students' Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB), and the Nurses and Midwives Council
This activity marks an important step in the rollout of the KUHeS M&E System, strengthening institutional capacity to monitor progress, measure results, and enhance the University's contribution to health sciences education, research, and service delivery at all Levels.
Curriculum Review Session for SON and SMANER
Curriculum Review Session for SON and SMANER
The Scottish Strategic Partnership, in collaboration with KUHeS, is hosting a five-day Curriculum Review Session from 19th to 24th July 2026 in Lilongwe. The workshop focuses on reviewing post-basic programmes for the School of Nursing (SON) and the School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health (SMANER). The aim is to update and harmonize curricula across key nursing and midwifery disciplines and alignment with national and international standards.
The review covers over 14 programmes, including Bachelor of Science degrees in Midwifery, Nursing Education, Adult Health Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing, Orthopaedic Nursing, Oncology Nursing, Nursing Management, and both Generic and Upgrading Nursing and Midwifery tracks. The workshop brings together KUHeS faculty members, government representatives, professional councils, civil society, and alumni to ensure that the revised curricula reflect diverse perspectives and meet the evolving needs of Malawi’s health sector.
With over 80 participants, the workshop is highly collaborative. Supported by the Scottish Governance Work Package budget, the activity underscores KUHeS’s commitment to advancing teaching, learning, and health service delivery through robust curriculum development. The output and outcomes of the Workshop will directly contribute to strengthening nursing and midwifery education, thereby strengthening healthcare in Malawi.
BT-BT Clinical Research Facility Risk Management Training
Blantyre-to-Blantyre Clinical Research Facility Conducts Risk Management Training
The Blantyre-to-Blantyre (BT-BT) Clinical Research Facility successfully conducted a three-day Risk Management Training from 15–17 July 2026 at Bliss and Honey, Thyolo. The training forms part of the facility's ongoing implementation of its Quality Management System (QMS) in preparation for ISO 15189 accreditation.
The training brought together staff from various departments to strengthen their understanding of risk management principles and their application within both administrative and technical operations. On the first day, participants explored risk management in support services, including finance, human resources, procurement, and monitoring and evaluation. The second and third days focused on technical laboratory risk management, equipping participants with practical knowledge to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in laboratory processes.
The sessions encouraged active participation through presentations, discussions, and practical exercises, enabling participants to develop skills that will contribute to improving quality, safety, and continuous improvement across the Clinical Research Facility.
The training concluded with a certificate awarding ceremony, where participants were recognized for successfully completing the programme. The certificates acknowledged their commitment to strengthening risk management practices and supporting the BT-BT Clinical Research Facility's journey towards achieving ISO 15189 accreditation.
SSPG System Developers Meeting
SSPG System Developers Meeting
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), through the Scottish Strategic Partnership Grant (SSPG), successfully held a Systems Development Meeting on Friday, 12 June 2026 at Game Haven. The meeting brought together KUHeS internal ICT system developers and key stakeholders to discuss and coordinate the development of institutional digital systems supporting Governance and Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL) functions.
The primary aim of the meeting was to consolidate system development efforts across the University, develop a coordinated work plan for system development activities, define system requirements, address system integration and data-sharing challenges, and establish a collaborative culture of information, skills and resource sharing among developers. Presentations and discussions covered several strategic areas including the SSPG initiative for systems development, the system development life cycle, strategic pillars and monitoring and evaluation, data warehouse development, governance dashboards, and progress on ongoing systems such as RPlus and MANEPS.
The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to identify existing systems, assess systems currently under development, discuss integration requirements, and determine remaining development work. Teams also worked together to prioritize projects, assign responsibilities, and develop implementation timelines with clear milestones and deliverables. The SSPG Developers Tools Meeting represents a significant milestone in KUHeS's ongoing digital transformation agenda, supporting improved governance, monitoring, decision-making, and operational efficiency through integrated information systems.
The University remains committed to leveraging technology and collaborative innovation to strengthen institutional performance and service delivery.
2026/2027 Budget Meeting
2026/2027 Scottish Budget Planning Meeting
2026/2027 Budget Meeting
A budget planning meeting for the Scottish Grant was conducted to discuss the implementation plans and timelines for the 2026/2027 activities. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure that all team members understood their respective roles, responsibilities, and timelines in order to effectively achieve the overall objectives of the grant. The meeting also provided an opportunity for team members to align their planned activities with the grant goals, discuss expected outputs, and identify strategies for successful implementation.
Team members presented their planned activities for the 2026/2027 period. Each department or focal person highlighted the activities they would be responsible for implementing and how these activities contribute toward achieving the objectives of the Scottish Grant.
The meeting discussed the timelines for each activity, focusing on the expected start and completion dates. Members emphasized the importance of adhering to timelines to ensure smooth implementation and timely reporting. A schedule was agreed upon to guide activity implementation throughout the grant period.
The discussions and agreements made during the meeting are expected to contribute to effective implementation, accountability, and successful attainment of the grant objectives.
Scottish Government Officials Visit
Scottish Government Officials Visit
Visit of Scottish Government Officials
Scottish Government Reaffirms Longstanding Partnership with KUHeS During Leadership Transition Visit On Wednesday last week, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), hosted representatives from the Scottish Government in a visit that marked both a farewell and a new beginning of a role in a partnership that has transformed health sciences education and training in Malawi for over two decades. The delegation included outgoing Head of International Development, Joanna Kaetings, who was making her final official visit to KUHeS, and Morten Christensen, who is set to take over the role.
The visit served as an opportunity to introduce Christensen to Malawi’s development landscape while also celebrating Kaetings’ contribution to strengthening ties between Scotland and KUHeS. KUHeS Vice Chancellor Professor Macpherson Mallewa described the collaboration as one of the university’s most impactful international partnerships. “This is a product of a partnership that has existed for 21 years. From 2018, a new agreement enabled KUHeS to receive up to £500,000 every year, that support has gone towards work packages focusing on governance structures within KUHeS,” he said.
Speaking during the visit, incoming Head of International Development, Christensen, said he had been deeply impressed by the strength of relations between Malawi and Scotland. “That partnership is a key strength that we will continue to build on going forward. I have also been inspired by the amazing work being done here that is changing many lives,” he said. Kaetings reflected on the journey of collaboration between the Scottish Government and the then College of Medicine, now KUHeS, which dates back to 2005.
“For the many years I have witnessed this partnership, I have seen the real growth of KUHeS. We have seen so many projects come to fruition. There is so much I have witnessed, and it has been wonderful to see this growth on both ends,” she said. During their visit, the delegation toured several projects supported through Scottish Government funding, including the Mental Health Specialist Training Unit and the Dental Clinic at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
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.
