KUHeS Celebrates 100% Pass Rate for Midwifery Candidates
KUHeS Celebrates 100% Pass Rate for Midwifery Candidates
In a landmark achievement, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) proudly reports that every one of the 497 midwifery candidates who participated in the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi Licensure Examinations in June this year have successfully passed.
This impressive cohort comprised 19 candidates from the Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSCM), 2 from the University Certificate in Midwifery (UCM), 291 from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Midwifery (BScNM) generic program, and 175 upgrading candidates transitioning from Nursing and Midwifery Technician (NMT) to BScNM.
The outstanding 100% pass rate is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students, the unwavering support of the faculty, clinical staff, and the high-quality education provided by the School of Maternal, Neonatal, and Reproductive Health.
Associate Professor Elizabeth Chodzadza, Executive Dean, commended this unprecedented achievement, highlighting its positive implications for healthcare in Malawi.
“This accomplishment not only celebrates individual successes but also signifies a positive shift for the future of healthcare in our country. These newly licensed professionals will play a vital role in enhancing the quality of midwifery care, bringing fresh knowledge, energy, and innovative approaches to their work,” she stated.
Dean Chodzadza emphasized the critical role midwives play in maternal and newborn health, expressing confidence that these new graduates will shape the future of healthcare with their skills, compassion, and commitment to service.
Among others she cited strong emphasis on excellence in education, rigorous training programs that prepare students for the evolving demands of modern midwifery as key factors that contributed to the success.
“Mentorship provided by experienced educators and professionals who offer guidance and practical insights. Additionally, KUHeS students are deeply passionate about delivering the highest standards of care to women and newborns, demonstrating dedication and perseverance in their studies,” she said.
Together, we are building a healthier and brighter future for all!
KUHeS Celebrates Academic Excellence at Dean’s List Awards Ceremony
On Friday, September 13, 2024, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) proudly awarded 91 outstanding students who achieved a place on the Dean’s List for the academic year 2022/23.
The students, representing various programs, were honored with cash prizes ranging from K70,000 to K200,000, generously sponsored by United General Insurance (UGI), contributing a total of K4,325,000 to the celebration.
During the vibrant ceremony, Dr. Benjamin Kumwenda, KUHeS’s Director of Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of this event as a source of motivation for all students.
“The aim of this function is to encourage students to recognize their efforts. There are times when hard work feels unappreciated, leaving students to think they are wasting their time. This event serves to affirm that we see their efforts and value them. Furthermore, we hope that those who follow will be inspired by this remarkable example,” he stated.
Dr. Kumwenda also expressed gratitude to UGI for their ongoing support, noting that this is not the first time the organization has assisted KUHeS.
“At KUHeS, excellence is non-negotiable. The professionals we train stand between life and death, and any error or mediocrity is not tolerated. That’s why we recognize excellence and appreciate UGI’s financial support,” he added.
Macdonald Chibwe, Chief Operating Officer of UGI, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are delighted to support excellence, as we believe in it. This contribution couldn’t have been better allocated than to these high-achieving students.”
Among the honorees was Elida Mwenebanda, a final-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) student, who emerged as the overall top performer with seven distinctions.
Elida attributed her success to determination and hard work, sharing.
“My main secret was consistency. I set a goal to achieve nine distinctions, and I truly believed I could attain it. When I committed to that plan, I worked tirelessly, even engaging with seniors for guidance,” she said.
This celebration of academic excellence underscores KUHeS’s commitment to fostering a culture of high achievement and encouraging students to strive for their best.
Scottish Government Celebrates Milestone Partnership with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
In a momentous visit, Ms. Joanna Keating, Lead of the International Development Division at the Scottish Government, traveled to Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) to witness firsthand the impact of the Scottish government’s support on various health initiatives in Malawi.
The Scottish delegation, guided by Ms. Keating, toured several key facilities, including the Blantyre Research Lab and the Dental School site at KUHeS’s main campus in Blantyre. Their visit also encompassed a comprehensive review of the Mental Health, Dental, and Oncology departments at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where they observed the ongoing work supported by their funding.
In her address, Ms. Keating reflected on the long-standing relationship between Scotland and Malawi, highlighting the partnership’s enduring significance.
“The relationship between the Scottish government and Malawi dates all the way back to 2005, and we are approaching a milestone 20th anniversary. Both Scotland and Malawi face significant challenges with Non-Communicable Diseases, making this collaboration not only relevant but crucial in addressing shared health concerns through research and mutual support,” she said.
KUHeS Vice Chancellor, Professor Mac Mallewa, praised the partnership for its transformative impact on local health capabilities. He emphasized the advancement in diagnostic capabilities that have emerged from this collaboration.
“This partnership has enabled us to conduct tests that were previously unavailable in Malawi, allowing us to better understand disease progression and compare disease manifestations between Malawians and Scots. It’s a remarkable opportunity that enhances the partnership’s potential,” Professor Mallewa stated.
A notable achievement of this partnership has been the establishment and development of a local dental program, funded by the Scottish government. Before this initiative, Malawian students had to pursue dental training abroad.
With the Scottish support, KUHeS launched its first dental cohort in 2019, and these students are now in their final year.
“Next year, we will celebrate the graduation of our first cohort of Malawian-trained dental surgeons. This program exemplifies how our collaboration is nurturing local talent to address Malawi’s health needs,” he said.
The visit underscores the significant strides made through the Scottish government’s support and the ongoing commitment to strengthening health education and research in Malawi. The partnership continues to grow, promising further advancements in addressing health challenges in both nations.
KUHES hosts maternity open day
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) School of Maternal and Neonatal Health, in collaboration with Limbe Health Centre and supported by Seed Global Health, hosted the Maternity Open Day on 25th July 2024 at Mang’omba Village Ground. The event, themed “Promoting Hospital Deliveries to Minimize Childbirth Complications,” aimed to educate the women, families, and communities of Mang’omba Village on the importance of hospital deliveries and early antenatal and postnatal care. This initiative was spurred by data from Limbe Health Centre, which indicates that 12% of women in the village give birth at home.
Throughout the day, a variety of health services were provided, including antenatal care, postnatal care, pre-conception care, obstetric ultrasound scanning, family planning, cervical cancer screening (VIA), under-five care, and general outpatient services. The turnout was impressive, with 8 women attending for antenatal care, 5 for postnatal care, 47 for pre-conception care, and 10 for obstetric ultrasound scanning. Family planning services were utilized by 28 women, while 35 women received VIA screening, and 58 babies were immunized under the under-five care program. The general outpatient services saw 12 women receiving TTV administration, and 19 women were screened for HIV, of whom 16 were tested, with 15 testing negative and 1 testing positive. Additionally, 100 HIV self-testing kits were distributed, 5 women were initiated on PrEP, and 19 women were screened for STIs, all of whom tested negative. A total of 3,120 condoms were distributed.
The event also featured cultural performances, including dances, dramas, and poems, alongside a health talk that highlighted the importance of delivering babies in health facilities, especially at Limbe, which boasts a midwifery-led unit and promotes respectful maternity care. Women were encouraged to report to hospitals for antenatal care as soon as they realize they are pregnant and to seek other services such as postnatal care and family planning. Mang’omba Village is located about 13 km from Limbe Health Centre, the primary health service provider for the area. The event was graced by the presence of Group Village Headman Somba, who served as the guest of honor.
Midwifery-Led Centre Planning Workshop
Kamuzu University of Health Science (KUHeS), School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health (SMANER) held a Midwifery Centre Evidence-Based Planning Workshop meeting on 18th June 2024 at Blantyre Kameza campus. The purpose of the meeting was to share views and discuss ideas regarding the proposed Midwifery-Led Center at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH). The Midwifery-Led Center at QECH is a bigger concept of a maternity care unit with its own proper infrastructure and to be led by midwives. The Centre will be used to promote midwife practice and clinical education.
The meeting was facilitated by Professor Chris Harnish, an architect from Thomas Jefferson University in the United States of America specialising in humanitarian architecture in Malawi and South Africa and Ms. Linda Robinson, a midwife and a fellow of the Rockefeller Foundation that is supporting SMANER. Those in attendance included staff from KUHeS SMANER and QECH maternity department and KUHeS students.
The ideas from the meeting would not only assist in coming up with an architectural design that would create a more effective Midwifery-Led Centre but also a proposal for soliciting funds for the project.
Pharmacy Department to Establish and Build External Partnerships
The Pharmacy Department, in the School of Life Sciences and Allied Health Professions (SLAHP) of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), has embarked on an initiative to establish and build external partnerships for possible collaborations in the areas of teaching and learning, research, community outreach, innovation, and industrialization. This is in line with the KUHeS strategy and the Malawi 2063. From 20th to 24th May, the department met the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Chemistry of the University of Malawi, the National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens, the Forest Research Institute of Malawi, and the Malawi Bureau of Standards.
Speaking at one of the meetings with the UNIMA teams, the Executive Dean of SLAHP, Associate Professor Arox Kamng’ona commended the Pharmacy Department for organizing the meeting. He also commended the UNIMA team for accepting to be part of the conversation.
“I always believe that there is power in partnerships. We have different expertise amongst the academic institutions, but to benefit from all that depends on us working together,” he said.
The signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between KUHeS and the other institutions will follow after all fundamental aspects of the collaborations have been discussed and agreed upon.
Celebrating Women’s Achievements in Health Research: WIDREM Event at KUHeS
The Women in Infectious Diseases and Health Research Network in Malawi (WIDREM) KUHeS Chapter hosted a vibrant celebration event on April 3rd, 2024, at the Library Auditorium, KUHeS Blantyre Campus along Mahatma Gandhi. The event aimed to honor and recognize the remarkable achievements of women in infectious diseases and health research within the academic and professional sphere.
The guest list included esteemed figures such as: the guest of honor Mrs. Gift Kadzamira, Director General for the National Commission of Science and Technology in Malawi; Deputy Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Belinda Gombachika; Dr. Atupele Kapito Tembo (WIDREM Chairperson); some executive deans and their representatives from KUHeS; Directors and representatives from various KUHeS departments and affiliates, among others.
Dr. Atupele Kapito Tembo, set the tone for the event with an inspiring quote from Luke 15:10, ‘I tell you, in heaven there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner whose heart is changed.’ This verse beautifully reflected WIDREM’s belief that if they can inspire or motivate just one lady in the room, they would be excited, knowing that their goal to achieve their vision of ‘one woman and one girl at a time’ is being fulfilled. She also emphasized the inclusion of men in supporting women’s career development, noting evidence based publications on the gender disparities faced by women in these fields. WIDREM’s progress in capacity building and leadership workshops was acknowledged, with thanks extended to supporters and contributors for their financial assistance. The organization’s future plans include expanding to more institutions, enhancing visibility through digital platforms, and strengthening grant writing initiatives to support research endeavors.
The event’s significance was underscored by Mrs. Gift Kadzamira as the National Commission of Science and Technology in Malawi holds a vital role in promoting, supporting, regulating, and coordinating research activities across the country. She stressed the importance of providing an enabling environment for women and girls to excel in the field of science and research. She also highlighted the challenges faced by women at different stages of their academic and professional journey and called for continued support and mentorship to empower women in decision-making roles.
Dr. Belinda Gombachika, Deputy Vice Chancellor, spoke about KUHeS’s strategic pillars focusing on research, networking, and partnerships, aligning with the themes of the WIDREM event. She encouraged attendees to join WIDREM to inspire and empower each other. “We need each other to empower each other by providing an environment for development because we as women understand our own challenges and struggles,” stated Dr Gombachika. She thanked the event organizers and all attendees for gracing the event and taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the remarkable event.
The event also featured motivational remarks from Dr. Linda Mipando, Professor Jane Mallewa, and Dr. Kelita Kamoto, who highlighted their strength, resilience, and determination in their educational and professional journeys and encouraged the audience to do the same. Entertainment was provided by KUHeS students Joyce Chisale with an inspiring poem and music by singer Paul Ngwira and guitarist Odala Macphalen, adding a celebratory atmosphere to the occasion.
The WIDREM celebration event not only honored individual achievements but also served as a platform to advocate for gender equality and support for women in the scientific and research community. The success of this event reflects the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women in infectious diseases and health research.
KUHeS graduates 573 students
In an auspiciously colorful red-carpet event held at the Great Hall in Zomba, 573 students from KUHeS have graduated from various health sciences programs after successfully completing rigorous courses of study. The three-cohort graduation ceremony ran from 13th-14th March 2024 and was presided over by the Vice Chancellor for UNIMA, Professor Samson Sajidu.
Among the KUHeS graduates are those who have earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Midwifery, Bachelor of Science in Health Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Epidemiology, Master of Science in Global Health Implementation Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Interprofessional Health Care Leadership.
Additionally, students have graduated from specialized nursing programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Adult Health), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Child Health), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Community Health), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Mental Health), and Bachelor of Science in Midwifery. Some have also completed upgrading programs, such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Midwifery (Upgrading).
In the field of medicine, graduates have earned their Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery degrees, as well as specialized honors degrees in General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics & Child Health, and Palliative Care.
Furthermore, other students have completed programs in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, and a range of Master of Medicine specialties including Obstetrics & Gynecology, Family Medicine, and Internal Medicine.
The graduation stream also includes graduates from interdisciplinary fields such as Antimicrobial Stewardship, Bioinformatics, Reproductive Health, and Mental Health, among others. Several graduates have also achieved the highest academic accolade with Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Midwifery, Microbiology, and Mental Health.
The new graduates seek to embark on careers that will hopefully make a positive impact on both local and global health.
A total of 2313 students from KUHeS, MUBAS, and UNIMA have graduated in this three phase-graduation. Out of the total, 44 percent are female while 55.9 percent are male.
Among others, the following delegates from KUHeS graced the 3 phase graduation; KUHeS Chair of Council Prof. Francis Moto, Vice Chancellor Prof. MacPherson Mallewa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Belinda Gombachika, Executive Deans; Associate Prof. Aarox kamng’ona, Dr. Elizabeth Chodzadza, Dr. John Phuka, Associate Professor Wakisa Mulwafu, Dr. Ides Chilinda, University Registrar Christopher Namagowa, Assistant Registrar-Postgraduate Mr. Stuart Chirambo and Assistant Registrars-Academic Support Services Ms. Siphiwe Lino and Mr. Mischeck Issa.
Congratulations to all KUHeS graduates!
Names for all graduating students from KUHeS can be accessed at; https://www.kuhes.ac.mw/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/March-Graduating-list.pdf
KUHeS launches simulation based education centre
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) inaugurated a Multi-Disciplinary Simulation-Based Education Center on 11th March 2024 at its Lilongwe Upper Campus. The Centre aims to enhance the capacity of health-related education for postgraduate and undergraduate students through virtual simulation in Malawi and Tanzania. The project is a collaboration between KUHeS (main partner), Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College of Tanzania, and the University of Stavanger of Norway.
The inauguration was graced by Dr. Levis Eneya, Director of Higher Learning Education, who was the Guest of Honour, representing the Secretary for Education Dr. Mangani Katundu; Prof. Mac Mallewa and the KUHeS management team; Prof Ingrid Tjoflåt, Representative from University of Stavanger (UiS), Norway; Mrs. Judith Chirembo, Registrar for Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi; Dr. Getrude Mwalabu, Principal Investigator for the project; The Project Team Members, Staff and Students among others.
KUHeS VC Calls for Tree Planting Efforts to Safeguard the Environment
The Vice chancellor for Kamuzu University, Prof. MacPherson Mallewa, has urged the KUHES community and other universities to spearhead tree planting exercises in the country. Speaking during tree planting exercise on 6th March 2024, at Mahatma Ghandi and Kameza Campuses in Blantyre, Prof. Mallewa has challenged the KUHeS community to preserve trees in their campuses as well as communities as they are key to human health. He further stated that as a top medical institution in the country, the institution understands the important role tree play in the human existence and survival hence taking the step.
“As a health institution of higher learning, we know the undisputed role trees play in human life and the whole environment. Trees are responsible for recycling the carbon dioxide and turning it into breathable air called oxygen and not to mention the protection that trees offer against natural disasters. We have had issues about cyclones and global warming, all those issues are a warning and a wakeup call to humans to replenish the trees that have been depleted. This all proves that human survival depends on trees and it is our responsibilities as leaders in the society to take charge and embrace the tree planting exercise. This is why as KUHeS, we lobby for tree planting exercise to be a culture of this institution and we also urge our students to lead the exercise in their communities when they go home,” said Prof. Mallewa.
Speaking on behalf of KUHeS students body, President for Students Representative Council, Visakose Kamfozi commended KUHeS management for involving students in the exercise and called upon the students to complement the university’s efforts in enforcing and sustaining the exercise every year.
“We are delighted to be part of this exercise. It is imperative that we sustain the exercise and preserve the trees planted this year and the years to come. As students, it is our duty to remind the management about the exercise once the tree planting season is imminent. I believe as students, we need to spearhead the activities as far as preserving the environment is concerned,” said Kamfozi.
Of the 200 trees planted this year, 100 planted have been planted at Mahatma Gandhi Campus and the other half at Kameza. The activity was graced by Chair of KUHeS Council, Prof. Francis Moto, KUHeS Registrar, Mr. Christopher Namagowa, Executive Deans, students and members of staff.
