Chinese Ambassador Officially Hands Over Confucius Institute to KUHeS and UNIMA
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.
KUHeS Launches Herbal Tree Planting Initiative at Kameza Campus
In a remarkable effort to fuse health and environmental sustainability, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), led by its Chairperson Professor Sosten Chiotha, embarked on an inspiring herbal tree planting initiative at its Kameza Campus in Blantyre.
As awareness grows about the interconnectedness of health and the environment, this innovative venture stands as a testament to KUHeS’s commitment to nurturing both domains.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor MacPherson Mallewa, expressed pride in this initiative, highlighting its alignment with the university’s plans to introduce a Bachelor of Herbal Medicine program.
This new program aims to enrich the existing body of traditional health practices, integrating herbal knowledge into the academic landscape.
“By weaving herbal medicine into our educational framework, we aspire to equip our students with a comprehensive understanding that harmonizes traditional healing methods with contemporary medical practices,” Professor Mallewa stated.
The event was not just about planting; it was also a moment of collaboration. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between KUHeS and the National Herbarium and Botanic Gardens of Malawi (NHBGM), which generously donated a variety of herbal trees for the cause.
Dr. Zacharia Magombo, the Director General of NHBGM, underscored the initiative’s pivotal role, highlighting the alarming endangerment of many herbal species.
“This endeavor represents a commendable step toward preserving our invaluable herbal plants, ensuring their availability for generations to come,” Dr. Magombo remarked.
Recognizing that health encompasses physical, mental, and environmental dimensions, this initiative illustrates that healing begins in the very roots of nature.
KUHeS is not merely planting trees; it is sowing the seeds of knowledge, sustainability, and wellness, lighting the way toward a healthier tomorrow.
Kuhes and SARIMA Partner to Advance Research Management and Innovation Systems Capacity
KUHES AND SARIMA PARTNER TO ADVANCE RESEARCH MANAGEMENT AND INNOVATION SYSTEMS CAPACITY
KUHeS engaged a delegation from the Southern Africa Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) under a partnership aimed at strengthening the university’s research and innovation management.
The SARIMA team sought to monitor the progress of key capacity strengthening activities in Grant Management Accreditation where SARIMA and KUHeS reviewed the university’s ongoing efforts to attain KPMG accreditation which will enhance competitiveness in securing funding. The engagement also discussed KUHeS’s participation in international research and innovation conferences which has raised the institution’s profile and opened doors for collaborative opportunities with peers from the SADC region.
In addition, another topic of discussion was the progress on the development of data-driven dashboards designed to improve the monitoring and evaluation of research projects, funding streams and institutional outputs. On the other hand, the delegation evaluated KUHeS’s Science Communication function and emphasis was put on ensuring that research findings are effectively disseminated to policymakers, stakeholders and the general public for data informed decision making.
“It’s about building a sustainable research culture that is visible, credible, and impactful,” said Doug Sanyahumbi, SARIMA’s Research and Innovation Consultant.
On the other hand, the discussions also explored institutional governance, researcher support systems, and professional development opportunities for administrative staff. Additionally, the visit opened new avenues for collaboration, including potential staff exchanges, technical training workshops, and co-hosting regional research events focused on advancing best practices in research administration.
KUHeS enhances Bachelor of Dental Surgery Programme
As one of way of enhancing the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme the department of Oral Health under the School of Oral Medicine undertook conducted a comprehensive curriculum review.
This initiative, led by Professor Wakisa Mulwafu, School of Medicine and Oral Health Executive Dean aims to shapern the educational framework that will guide the program’s trajectory for the next five years. This review came at a pivotal moment as the department prepares to celebrate the graduation of its first dental surgeons trained entirely within Malawi.
During the review discussions, Dr. James Mchenga, Acting Head of the Department of Oral Health, addressed some of the challenges facing the department.
He emphasized the pressing need for adequate equipment to facilitate practical training for students, highlighting that access to modern and comprehensive resources is essential for delivering high-quality dental education.
The significance of this curriculum review was underscored by Dr. Ishmael Nyirenda of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), who remarked on the timeliness of the initiative.
“It is actually good that this review is happening now; so much has happened, and so much will be done to make the programme better. Considering that it coincides with the graduation of the first cohort, it is a very commendable effort. We are now realizing how essential this program is for Malawi, and it could not have come at a more opportune time,” he stated.
Furthermore, Dr. Nitta Chinyama, Deputy Director of Clinical & Rehabilitative Services at the Ministry of Health, announced that the government has already secured funding to support internships for the graduating cohort.
This funding initiative will provide essential practical experience, enabling graduates to apply their knowledge in real-world clinical settings.
The curriculum review is not merely an academic exercise; it serves as a crucial effort to align the educational offerings with the evolving needs of the healthcare sector in Malawi.
With the first cohort of dental surgeons poised to graduate [this April], this comprehensive review will ensure that the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme not only meets local standards but also adheres to international best practices—ultimately contributing to better oral health outcomes for communities across Malawi.
