KUHeS TAPS INTO GHANA’S HERBAL MEDICINE SUCCESS STORY

KUHeS TAPS INTO GHANA’S HERBAL MEDICINE SUCCESS STORY

KUHeS TAPS INTO GHANA’S HERBAL MEDICINE SUCCESS STORY

A two-member delegation from the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) under the School of Life Sciences and Allied Health Professions (SLAHP) recently completed a learning and benchmarking visit to Ghana, gaining first-hand insights into the country’s well-established herbal medicine industry.

The team led by SLAHP Executive Dean, Associate Professor Arox Kamng’ona, and joined by Dr. John Mponda undertook the visit as part of KUHeS’ preparations to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant for both conventional and herbal medicines, as well as to introduce a Bachelor of Science in Herbal Medicine programme.

The visit had three major objectives:

1. Participation in the 3rd Oku Ampofo Memorial Conference, themed “Herbal Medicine Research: Harnessing our Heritage for Health and Wealth”, held at Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra;
2. A strategic visit to the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) in Mampong-Akuapem for knowledge exchange and collaboration;
3. A benchmarking visit to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and its herbal industry partners in Kumasi.

Presentations and Engagements at the Oku Ampofo Conference

• During the conference, Dr. Mponda delivered a presentation titled “Towards Regulation of Herbal Medicinal Products in Malawi: Distribution, Claims and Scientific Evidence”. He also joined a panel discussion on the protection of intellectual property rights for Indigenous traditional knowledge and provided updates on Malawi’s regulatory landscape.
• Associate Professor Kamng’ona chaired a parallel scientific session focused on nanoparticles, essential oils and phytomedicine, highlighting KUHeS’ growing role in herbal medicine research.

Lessons from Ghana’s Centre for Plant Medicine Research The delegation toured the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, a statutory institution established by an Act of Parliament in 1975. The centre conducts comprehensive plant medicine research and operates a full herbal medicine clinic where licensed herbal medical practitioners diagnose and treat patients. The same facility manufactures approved herbal medicines that appear on Ghana’s national herbal medicines list.

The CPMR maintains rigorous standards through:

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) at its herbal farm
• Well-equipped quality control laboratories for phytochemistry, microbiology, pharmaceutics and toxicity studies

These systems offered KUHeS a practical model for Malawi’s own development of a regulated herbal medicine sector.

Benchmarking at KNUST: Training and Integrated Practice

At Kwame Nkrumah University of Science of Technology (KNUST), the team benchmarked KUHeS’ draft Bachelor of Science in Herbal Medicine curriculum against KNUST’s long-running programme. They toured the Faculty of Pharmacy, as well as the Departments of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, which train Ghana’s herbal medical doctors.

A key highlight was observing integrated healthcare at the Kumasi Regional Hospital, where both herbal and conventional medical doctors work side by side. Patients self-select whether to seek herbal or conventional care upon arrival at the outpatient department—an arrangement supported by shared diagnostic facilities such as laboratories and radiology services.

The team also visited Ebenage Herbal Production and Consult and Solak Biochemist Limited, two of several herbal medicine manufacturing companies and some private herbal clinics that work closely with KNUST.

Reflections from KUHeS

Associate Professor Kamng’ona described the visit as “a major eye-opener.”

“Ghana has advanced beyond many African countries in regulating herbal medicinal products, accrediting practitioners, and training skilled personnel. This is the direction KUHeS aims to guide Malawi into—grounded in proper research, scientific validation and sustainable use of Indigenous knowledge,” he said.

Dr. Mponda echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of partnerships. “Our visit to the Hepa Plus production site demonstrated the value of strong quality-control systems across the production line. The best way to build Malawi’s herbal industry is to collaborate with institutions already doing well. We look forward to continuing our partnership with KNUST and Hepa Plus in training, quality control and raw-material cultivation,” he noted.

Sustainable Sourcing: A Model from Ebenage Herbal Production

The delegation also toured a 20-acre medicinal plant farm owned by Ebenage Herbal Production and Consult, producers of Hepa Plus. The farm uses no inorganic fertilizers or agrochemicals, ensuring raw materials are free from contamination—an essential component of high-quality herbal medicine production.

Head of KNUST’s Department of Herbal Medicine, Dr. Kofi Tuckson, who joined the visit, commended the initiative:

“The sustainability of the herbal medicine industry depends on the availability of raw materials. Illegal mining is destroying forests and water bodies, so these dedicated medicinal farms are essential.”

Ebenage’s Founder and CEO also highlighted the urgency of protecting medicinal resources and strengthening industry capacity: “Our primary goal is to sustain production of HEPA Plus, PAVI, and Plasmox. But we also welcome students and researchers—training the next generation is how we build a better Ghana and advance herbal medicine.”

A Strategic Path Forward for Malawi

The Ghana visit marks an important milestone in KUHeS’ efforts to professionalize and regulate herbal medicine in Malawi. The delegation returned with concrete lessons on:

• regulatory frameworks,
• curriculum development,
• clinical integration models,
• quality control systems, and
• sustainable raw-material cultivation.

These insights will guide ongoing local efforts to develop a robust herbal medicine industry aligned with global standards while preserving and valuing Indigenous knowledge.

Indian High Commissioner Explores Healthcare Collaboration with KUHeS

The Indian High Commissioner to Malawi, His Excellency Amararam Gujar, has pledged to strengthen healthcare collaboration between India and Malawi.

The High Commissioner made these remarks when he visited KUHeS in Blantyre where he interacted with some of the international students from Indian community and explored opportunities for partnership in healthcare delivery, research, and pharmaceutical development with KUHeS management led by the Vice Chancellor Professor Macpherson Mallewa. Commissioner Gujar noted that currently Malawi imports the majority of its pharmaceutical products from India, and emphasized the possibility for Indian investors to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Malawi as a sustainable, long-term solution.

The High Commissioner also highlighted the possibility of collaboration between Indian laboratories and KUHeS’ state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory. This partnership would enhance Malawi’s diagnostic capacity and reduce the need for patients to seek medical care abroad, particularly in India.

The Vice Chancellor described the visit as a boast to the university further saying the ties between the two institutions will help promote innovation and healthcare excellence in Malawi.

“We are delighted to host His Excellency Mr. Gujar and to explore new areas of collaboration between India and Malawi. KUHeS values partnerships that advance research, training, and innovation for improved health outcomes across Africa,” he said.

Speaking on behalf on the international students Dr. Megha Mittal who is pursuing a Masters in Obstetrics and Gynecology said the university is doing an amazing job in blending both local and international students. The visit underscored the shared commitment of India and Malawi to strengthening healthcare systems through cooperation in education, research, and industry, paving the way for future collaborations between the two nations.

University of Glasgow Vice-Principal Commends KUHeS for Impactful Research

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.

Chinese Ambassador Officially Hands Over Confucius Institute to KUHeS and UNIMA

The Chinese Ambassador to Malawi, Lu Xn, officially handed over the Confucius Institute to Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) and University of Malawi (UNIMA).

The institute valued at $6.4 million (approximately K11 billion) among others comprise an administration block,600-seater multipurpose hall, computer room, staff rooms and board room.

KUHeS Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Belinda Gombachika said the opening of the Confucius Institute represents much more than the unveiling of a new facility.

“It demonstrates our commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for our students and the broader community. In an era where globalization is transforming education, learning a language like Chinese equips our students with valuable skills that improve their employability and success in an interconnected world,” she said.

The Ambassador echoed Dr. Gombachika’s sentiments, emphasizing that this infrastructure serves as a significant unifying factor between China and Malawi.

“When two nations understand each other’s language and culture, it fosters the exchange of ideas, particularly in advancing technology and infrastructure development,” she said.

Minister of Higher Education Jessie Kabwila said this development aligns with the Malawi 2063 vision.

“By establishing the Confucius Institute, we are making a decisive move toward achieving our goals. This initiative not only benefits students at KUHeS and UNIMA but also provides Malawians with the opportunity to learn a language that opens doors and promotes cross-cultural understanding,” she affirmed. The institute will officially be opened by the president who is the Chancellor to both KUHeS and Unima.

Malawi Launches Innovations Group at 4th International Congress on Global Surgery

The 4th International Congress on Innovations for Global Surgery (ICIGS 2025) culminated in the formation of the Malawi Innovations Global Surgery Group, a strategic initiative aimed at advancing surgical innovation both locally and globally.

The three-day congress, held under the theme “Sustainable Innovations in Global Surgery”, was hosted by Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) and brought together leading experts, students, and surgeons from across the world.

During both the opening and closing sessions, Professor Wakisa Mulwafu, the Executive Dean of the School of Medicine and Oral Health and Chair of the congress, expressed his honor at hosting the event.

He emphasized that the conference provided an excellent opportunity for surgeons in Malawi to learn from the extensive knowledge and experiences shared by their peers.

“The concept of such conferences fosters collaboration, and we engage students who dedicate significant effort to generating ideas and developing solutions,” he stated.

Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, the Minister of Health and guest speaker, urged surgeons nationwide to adopt innovation as a vital strategy for addressing emerging public health challenges.

“We require cost-effective innovations to ensure that everyone in Malawi has access to quality surgical care. The Ministry of Health will continue to invest in strategies designed to strengthen surgical services to reduce both illness and mortality,” she explained.

She also highlighted ongoing initiatives, including training programs for surgeons through KUHeS and regional institutions like the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA), alongside efforts to expand infrastructure for surgical services.

In her keynote address, Dr. Alice Mbewe from the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust underlined that remarkable ideas alone are insufficient for success.

“Effective technologies and robust partnerships are essential for innovation to thrive. Innovation must stem from all angles,” she stated.

Dr. Adam Bashir, ICIGS Malawi National Delegate, noted that the conference aimed to generate actionable plans to improve surgical care delivery for every Malawian, regardless of their location.

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.

KUHeS Celebrates Graduation of Students

Last week Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) proudly celebrated the graduation of 853 students who were conferred degrees by the University of Malawi (Unima).

This momentous occasion comprised graduates from KUHeS, the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), and Unima itself.

Among the graduates, five earned their PhDs, while 51 completed master’s degrees across various programs. A significant highlight of the ceremony was the graduation of the inaugural cohort of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and the first locally trained Mental Health Nursing Specialists and Public Mental Health Care Specialists.

During the event, President Lazarus Chakwera, who serves as the Chancellor of the three universities, commended the institutions for their achievements and urged the graduates to take an active role in innovation and entrepreneurship.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Malawi’s higher education sector as a cornerstone of national development. He highlighted key reforms initiated by his administration, including the abolition of the discriminatory quota system, the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Higher Education, and the increase of university enrolment from 30,000 in 2020 to over 75,000 by 2025.

Speaking prior to the graduation KUHeS Vice Chancellor Professor Macpherson Mallewa said the graduation of the first BDS cohort will go into the annals of history as a milestone for the university and country as a whole.

“I am very proud of the team work that has been there in training our students in the various programmes that we offer. Being an institution that thrives on excellence it is exciting to see the strides we are making in producing quality health professionals. I am particularly proud of the first locally trained Dentists who I am so sure will take oral health care in Malawi to a greater height,” he said.

In his closing remarks, University of Malawi Vice Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, encouraged the graduates to uphold integrity and ethical standards as they embark on their professional journeys.

Bioinformatics Unit Hosts Inspiring MSc Bioinformatics Student Open Day

The Biomedical Sciences Department’s Bioinformatics Unit hosted a successful and engaging MSc Bioinformatics Student Open Day at Bliss and Honey, marking a significant milestone in the academic journey of its students.

Executive Dean School of Life Sciences and Allied Health Professions (Slahp) Associate Professor Arox Kamg’ona said the Open Day was aimed at promoting knowledge exchange between students, teachers and researchers from Bioinformatics and Computational Biology fields. 

Two cohorts—first-year and second-year students—presented their projects, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of research within the bioinformatics domain.

Speaking on behalf of the dean Head of Department, Dr. Jana, congratulated the students on their achievements and acknowledged the dedication required to reach this milestone.

“Today, you’ll have the chance to share your research ideas with your peers, supervisors, and other faculty members. This is an excellent opportunity to receive feedback, refine your ideas, and prepare for the next stage of your research journey,” he said.

Dr. Jana emphasized the department’s unwavering commitment to fostering student research and innovation in bioinformatics.

“To our students, we extend our sincerest gratitude for your outstanding presentations. Your enthusiasm and dedication to research have been truly impressive. To our esteemed academic colleagues, we thank you for sharing your expertise and providing constructive feedback,” he added.

Dr. Benjamin Kumwenda, Team Lead for Bioinformatics, further commended the students, highlighting the importance of collaboration between supervisors and students in addressing the issues raised during presentations.

“I am delighted that we could gather today. This is a remarkable achievement, and as I listened to the presentations, it reinforced my belief that better collaboration between students and supervisors will enhance our research outcomes,” he remarked.

Among the presenters, [insert student name] expressed their thoughts on the experience. 

“[Insert quote or insight from the student],” he said.

The Open Day provided a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of bioinformatics. The contributions from academic colleagues who shared their expertise and offered feedback were invaluable in guiding students on their research paths.

By nurturing such engagement and collaboration, the Biomedical Sciences Department continues to cultivate a thriving academic environment that empowers students to lead the way in bioinformatics and biomedical research, paving the path for future advancements in healthcare.

Stakeholders Discuss HIV/AIDS Sustainability in Malawi

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), through its Health and Economic Policy Unit (HEPU), brought together various stakeholders to discuss sustainable options for addressing HIV/AIDS in Malawi, particularly in light of the recent aid freeze from the United States and other governments.

The discussions took place during the 15th Think Tank session, aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the critical challenges surrounding HIV/AIDS sustainability.

Associate Professor Adamson Muula, speaking on behalf of the Executive Dean of the School of Global and Public Health, emphasized the significance of the gathering in exploring potential solutions through presentations focused on health impact systems.

“Ultimately, we will engage in a guided plenary session where we will collectively identify and prioritize the evidence needed to develop effective and sustainable strategies for Malawi’s HIV/AIDS response,” he stated.

Samson Ndolo, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, commended KUHeS for its foresight and strategic leadership in bridging evidence and policy, noting the timeliness of the Think Tank.

“As we progress into Part B of the Roadmap, locally grounded, policy-responsive evidence will be increasingly vital. The decisions we face will be complex and, at times, difficult. We will require timely data, robust modeling, transparent costing, and credible scenario analysis to ensure our decisions are not only strategic but also equitable,” he remarked.

Ndolo also expressed concern over the aid freeze, which he described as occurring at a critical juncture for the ministry, just as it was making significant strides in advancing the HIV sustainability agenda and the development of the first part of the HIV Sustainability Roadmap.

“Malawi’s HIV response has seen remarkable achievements over the past two decades, including a dramatic reduction in new infections and AIDS-related deaths. We’ve met the 95–95–95 targets ahead of global timelines. However, this success hinges on a structural vulnerability: our heavy reliance on external funding,” he noted.

HEPU Director Professor Joseph Mfutso-Bengo considered the Think Tank a success, stating its purpose was to assess the impact of the funding withdrawal and determine appropriate actions.

“The Think Tank is designed to evaluate the immediate effects of the funding cuts and to explore strategies moving forward. Given that our resource envelope has narrowed, we must conduct efficiency analyses to minimize waste. It is essential that we integrate services and harmonize systems to optimize health outcomes,” he concluded.

Orientation Week 2025: Celebrating Unity and Aspirations at KUHeS

Orientation week is a cherished tradition at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), and this year has been no exception. The university’s campuses are buzzed with excitement as students from diverse backgrounds come together for the first time, each filled with dreams and aspirations for their future in health sciences.

As they embarked on this new chapter, future doctors, nurses, public health experts, and pharmacists brought with them unique stories and perspectives that enrich the vibrant KUHeS community.

The energy was palpable as students gathered at the Sports Complex and auditorium, greeted warmly by enthusiastic smiles and cheers from faculty members, current students, and staff.

Dr. Benjamin Kumwenda, the Director of Student Affairs, alongside the five Executive Deans, welcomed the new students with inspiring words, expressing pride in having them join the KUHeS family.

Dr. Kumwenda emphasized that this journey extends beyond academics, stressing that it will also shape their personal and professional lives.

“As you begin this journey you will need the support of your family and everyone around you. You will need their understanding because mixing the pressures of other things and academic pressure may give you a tough time. We welcome yiu and wish you all the best,” he said.

Dr John Phuka Chair of Executive Deans who is also Executive Dean of the School of Global and Public Health tasked the student to develop a culture of excellence that KUHeS aspires.

“As I walked into this complex, I was happy to see you seated this is a sign of strong attitude matching with the excellence that we want. I want you to continue on this path and we will make sure that we give you excellence in all that we do,” he said.

Throughout the orientation, students engaged in discussions about resilience, ethical practice, and the importance of lifelong learning in the healthcare field. The faculty reinforced the message that challenges should be embraced as opportunities for growth, empowering students to navigate their educational journey with confidence.

As the week progressed, filled with varied emotions, the students began to forge connections despite hailing from different corners of the country and beyond. By the end, they were united under the KUHeS banner—a diverse community dedicated to health sciences and committed to making a meaningful impact in the world.

The conclusion of orientation week marked not just the beginning of an academic journey but the formation of lifelong friendships and networks.