KUHeS Engages Ministry of Health in Review of The National Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) Policy
KUHeS Engages Ministry of Health in Review of The National Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) Policy
Recently Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) commenced a consultative process with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other stakeholders to revisit, implement, and establish regulatory frameworks for the National Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) Policy of 2020.
During a stakeholder meeting convened at MoH offices in Lilongwe on November 29, 2024 Associate Professor Arox Kamng’ona, Executive Dean of the School of Life Sciences and Allied Health Professions at KUHeS, underscored the widespread reliance on TCM among Malawians.
He revealed that more than 80% of individuals living with HIV and other diseases depend on TCM practices and products, despite the sector remaining largely unregulated.
“The lack of regulatory mechanisms has fostered an environment where unverified therapeutic claims, unsafe practices, and unauthorized marketing of products proliferate, thereby posing significant risks to public health,” he stated. Professor Kamng’ona also expressed grave concerns regarding the practice of self-medication and the unsupervised integration of herbal and conventional medical treatments.
“Many Malawians engage in self-medication or combine herbal remedies with conventional pharmaceuticals without professional oversight, increasing the likelihood of adverse drug-herbal interactions. Additionally, reports of unethical practices, including ritualistic use of human tissues among traditional medicine practitioners, raise critical concerns surrounding human rights and public safety,” he noted.
Academic Initiatives to Enhance TCM Regulation
To address these pressing issues, KUHeS intends to establish a Bachelor of Science degree program in Herbal and Traditional Medicine within its Department of Pharmacy. The program aims to contribute to the human capital development towards supporting the regulatory framework and its implementation for practioners, practices and the safe use of TCM products.
“Through the combined expertise of our School of Life Sciences and Allied Health Professions, Family Medicine andn other departments, KUHeS is uniquely equipped to support the regulation of TCM products and practitioners in Malawi. Our initiatives encompass curriculum development, short-term capacity-building training for TCM practitioners, research focused on herbal medicine safety and manufacturing, public outreach programs, and the establishment of a Drug, Poisons, and Herbal Medicine Information Centre,” Professor Kamng’ona elaborated.
Strategic Priorities for Regulation
Dr. Stanley Mwalwanda and Dr. John Mponda presented detailed arguments in favor of strengthening the regulatory framework for TCM during the discussions. They emphasized that the overarching objective of such measures is to ensure the provision of safe, equitable, and high-quality TCM services while formally integrating these practices into the national healthcare system.
Dr. Mwalwanda highlighted key priority areas for the regulatory framework, as outlined in the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) Policy. These include governance, research and development, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns. He also underscored the importance of each stakeholder’s role in implementing the TCM policy.
Dr. Mponda emphasized the absence of safety monitoring mechanisms for herbal products, the limited research documentation supporting TCM efficacy, and the growing prevalence of unregulated advertising for products lacking scientifically validated quality and safety.
“The absence of monitoring systems for the safety of herbal products, coupled with insufficient research to substantiate the efficacy of TCM, has led to a surge in the advertisement of products with unverified quality and safety standards,” Dr Mponda remarked.
Implications for Public Health
Dr. Andrina Mwansambo, Head of HIV Prevention and Management, highlighted the detrimental implications of unregulated TCM for individuals undergoing Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
“Unregulated TCM products, practitioners and practices may lead patients to substitute prescribed therapies with alternative treatments, potentially undermining their immunity and compromising treatment efficacy,” she explained, reaffirming the National AIDS Commission’s (NAC) commitment to supporting regulatory initiatives.
Optimism for Policy Advancement
Dr Nitta Nayeja, Deputy Director of Clinical Services at the Ministry of Health, expressed optimism regarding the TCM Policy review process and identified potential funding sources to facilitate its implementation.
“There is reason to be hopeful about advancing the policy review. Potential funding from international partners, including India, offers a promising avenue to support these efforts,” Dr Nayeja stated.
The collaborative engagement between KUHeS, MoH, NAC, the Medical Council of Malawi, the Pharmacy Medicines Regulatory Authority, and the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi represents a significant milestone toward the establishment of a regulatory framework for TCM practices in Malawi. This endeavor seeks to safeguard public health and promote the responsible use of traditional and complementary medicine within the country.
Parkinson`s disease awareness – Malawi
On 29th November 2024, The School of Life and Allied Health Professions (SLAHP) of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Movement Disorders Day. These are conditions of the nervous system that affect how the body moves.
Parkinson`s disease is the most common movement disorder and affects over 10 million people worldwide. It causes slowness of movements, tremors, body stiffness, problems with balance, and many other non-movement problems including constipation and memory loss.
With funding from the International Brain Research Organization and the Dana Foundation awarded to Dr. Gwedela from Biomedical Sciences and Dr. Tiwonge Phiri from QECH, a documentary on the diagnostic journey and daily lives of people with Parkinson`s disease who attend the adult neurology outpatient clinic at QECH was aired on MBC TV. The documentary can be viewed on-demand on the KUHeS YouTube channel through the following link:
President Chakwera Installed as Chancellor of KUHeS
On November 12, 2024, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) proudly installed His Excellency Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, as the University’s Chancellor during a historic congregation.
According to Section 18 (1) of the KUHeS Act (No. 20) of 2019, “There shall be a Chancellor of the University who shall be the titular head of the university.” Furthermore, Section 18 (2) states that “The President shall, unless he decides to appoint another person, be the Chancellor of the University.” In accordance with this directive, the university celebrated President Chakwera’s installation during its inaugural graduation ceremony.
Following the installation, Professor Francis Moto, Chairperson of the KUHeS Council, extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the council and the entire university management. He expressed optimism in President Chakwera’s leadership and vision for the institution.
“Congratulations, Your Excellency, on your installation as Chancellor of the university. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to lead the institution blessed by God. Today is a very special occasion, as you preside over the first-ever graduation of KUHeS and become its first Chancellor. Congratulations, Your Excellency,” Professor Moto stated.
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) was established on May 4, 2021, through the merger of the Kamuzu College of Nursing (KCN) and the College of Medicine (COM), both of which were formerly constituent colleges of the University of Malawi (UNIMA). Since its founding in 1979, KCN has been training professional nurses and midwives, while COM has been educating physicians and allied health professionals since 1991.
Together, these institutions have made significant contributions to advancing higher education and improving healthcare in Malawi and beyond.
KUHeS looks forward to the future under the esteemed leadership of President Chakwera, as it continues to uphold its commitment to excellence in health sciences education and research.
KUHeS holds inaugural congregation
On November 12, 2024, a remarkable milestone was achieved as 102 students became the first graduates of the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) since the merger of Kamuzu College of Nursing (KCN) and the College of Medicine (COM).
The inaugural graduation ceremony was graced by the official installation of President Lazarus Chakwera as KUHeS’s first Chancellor. During the ceremony, he conferred certificates, diplomas, and degrees to the accomplished graduates, including five exceptional female students who graduated with distinctions.
In his address as Chancellor, President Chakwera expressed his honor and privilege in celebrating this historic occasion with the university community.
“Today marks a significant event not just for you, the graduates, but for all of us gathered here. We are privileged to witness this moment as you become the first graduates of KUHeS, while I am equally honored to be inaugurated as its first Chancellor,” he stated.
The event was filled with many firsts, including the launch of the KUHeS Anthem, the raising of the university flag, the unveiling of a ten-year strategic plan, and the introduction of a flywhisk that will be a permanent feature during graduation ceremonies.
This flywhisk, an esteemed artifact once used by Malawi’s first President, Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, has been donated to KUHeS in honor of the late President.
President Chakwera praised KUHeS for cultivating a unique culture that distinguishes it from other universities.
“I am impressed by the fusion of history and modernity displayed through the incorporation of the iconic flywhisk into your graduation ceremony, honoring the Father and Founder of the Malawi nation. There is no university more deserving of this honor than KUHeS, for it was President Banda who laid the groundwork for health sciences education in this country,” he remarked.
The President encouraged the graduating students to take their places in the world and make a positive impact.
“I have no doubt that as healthcare workers, you will rise as trained professionals in Malawi, contributing significantly to the healthcare system. Remember that the investment made in your education is an investment in the future health of our nation,” he affirmed.
KUHeS Chairperson of Council, Professor Francis Moto, reiterated the university’s commitment to contributing positively to Malawi’s healthcare system.
“We know that these graduates will go forth and make a difference in the world, and we take pride in being part of that contribution,” he said.
Vice Chancellor Professor Macpherson Mallewa highlighted KUHeS’s aspiration to become a beacon of hope and excellence in healthcare.
He reaffirmed the institution’s vision for a world-class Kamuzu University Teaching Hospital (KUTH) and a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical center.
In light of recent media reports concerning counterfeit medicines in Malawi, Professor Mallewa indicated that KUHeS is taking action.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, we approached potential financial institutions, and I am excited to report that the World Bank has allocated K4.7 billion to KUHeS to tackle the issue of fake medicines,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of ethics and integrity in the healthcare profession, urging graduates to uphold the highest standards.
“Integrity is the cornerstone of healthcare. Always prioritize patient welfare and commit to honesty and fairness in your decisions. Remember why you chose this path; our profession plays a vital role in safeguarding lives,” he concluded.
As outlined in Section 7(1) of the KUHeS Act No. 20 of 2019, the university has the authority to admit students, confer degrees, diplomas, and certificates, award honorary degrees, provide affiliation status to other institutions, and offer well-informed opinions on societal issues.
KUHeS Funeral Parlor launches Mpumulo Policy
The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) Funeral Parlour has entered into a partnership with Smile Life that so the introduction of Mpumulo Funeral Policy Cover.
Mpumulo Policy is a comprehensive family funeral plan that is uniquely designed for individuals with a discerning approach to planning and a genuine concern for the well-being of their families.
Speaking during the function KUHeS Vice Chancellor Professor MacPherson Mallewa said since its inception, this initiative has not only served as an income-generating activity nor a new chapter for KUHeS, but a representation of commitment to serve our community with compassion, dignity, and respect.
“As we all know, the mandate for public universities to be self-sustaining is not merely a regulatory requirement; it is a call to innovation and service. The launch of our Funeral Parlour was driven by this very spirit—a desire to honour those we serve while ensuring the sustainability of our beloved university.
“In this endeavour, we have embraced the core values that define us: empathy, care, and respect for the families we support during some of their most challenging times,” he said.
Concurring with the VC, KUHeS Funeral Parlour Administrator Enita Dinnot said the policy offers a unique service in that the policy offers a premium refund every five years on unclaimed policies.
“Policy cover – there is a three-month waiting period from date of subscription.
All persons over the age of 6 months and under 70 years of age are eligible for cover. Exclusions apply to death by suicide or hazardous activities. Clients will receive 20% of their total monthly premiums of the policy for that 5-year-period,” she said.
Smile Life Chief Executive Officer Beatrice Mangwana expressed optimism that the partnership will reduce the pain and expense uncertinities that come with death.
“We hope this partnership will help people make prior plans for death. Even in death we ought to experience dignity and care,” she said.
Rserve Bank of Malawi, Director of Pensions and Insurance Paul Nyirenda said the Mpumulo Policy Launch will increase insurance services and will help promote a planning culture in events such as death.
Mpumulo a vernicular term which essentially means “a feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced, the condition of being comfortable or relieved (especially after being relieved of distress)… assistance in time of difficulty…”.
KUHeS Department of Oral Health Receives Bus Donation to Enhance Community Outreach
The Department of Oral Health at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) received an incredible donation—a bus generously provided by a Malawian well-wisher based in the United States of America (USA), through a group known as the Patriots.
This bus is poised to significantly impact the community by addressing various dental-related challenges.
Dr. James Mchenga, Acting Head of the Department of Oral Health Sciences, expressed his gratitude for this timely gift.
“This bus will enable us to reach those in hard-to-reach areas, allowing our dental students to engage in community outreach projects. We’ll educate the public about oral health, disease prevention, and provide hands-on training for our students,” he stated.
Dr. Mchenga further highlighted the importance of tackling dental issues head-on, arguing these are issues that affect almost everyone.
“Almost everyone knows someone affected by dental problems—from toothaches to more serious conditions like oral cancer. Training our dental students is essential to providing better care for our communities,” he said.
Kamuzu Chibambo, Chairperson of the Patriots, echoed these sentiments, expressing their joy in contributing to healthcare solutions in Malawi: “There’s so much we can do as Malawians to tackle health-related challenges in our country.”
Arox Kamng’ona Executive Dean, School of Life Sciences and Allied Health Professions said the development aligns with the institution’s plans to advance its service by reaching enhancing its visibility in the rural areas.
“We are very happy with the donation. This will certainly improve our ability to reach out to people in rural areas. We will modernise the bus and make sure it has necessary equipment to carry out mobile service clinics. The bus will be rebranded, furnished with dental beds, chairs and other equipment,” he said.
Kamng’ona said together as a country we are taking a big step toward healthier smiles across Malawi.
NORHED Week 2024: Addressing Key Issues in Higher Education in Malawi
Key issues such as enhancing research capacity, fostering collaboration among universities, and aligning educational initiatives with national development agendas were at the forefront of discussions during the launch of NORHED Week 2024 at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS).
This landmark event, attended by representatives from six public universities, served as part of the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED), aiming to strengthen Malawi’s higher education sector.
Under the theme “Strengthening Higher Education and Research in Malawi,” NORHED Week provided a vital platform for sharing experiences, networking, and showcasing impactful research projects from participating universities, including Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mzuzu University (MZUNI), University of Malawi (UNIMA), and KUHeS.
During the launch, Norwegian Ambassador Ingrid Marie Mikelsen emphasized the importance of research in shaping policy and project design.
“The results of your collaboration are important contributions to our policies and project designs,” she remarked, highlighting Norway’s ongoing commitment to supporting Malawi’s development through education and research initiatives.
Levis Eneya, the Director of Higher Education, underscored that the ongoing projects are aligned with Malawi 2063, a comprehensive national plan aimed at propelling Malawi towards a wealthier and more developed future.
His remarks reinforced the critical role of collaborative research projects in addressing pressing national challenges, fostering academic advancement, and driving the overall development agenda.
Mac Mallewa, Vice Chancellor of KUHeS, expressed gratitude for Norway’s unwavering support, which has been crucial in addressing key issues facing the nation. He noted that the collaborative efforts during NORHED Week would enhance both research capacity and educational outcomes for all institutions involved.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in variety activities designed to encourage knowledge exchange and collaboration, showcasing innovative research initiatives that contribute to Malawi’s development strategy.
NORHED Week represents more than just an event; it symbolizes the collective commitment of Malawian universities to innovate and collaborate towards a brighter future. By leveraging the strengths of each institution, these universities are working to build a resilient educational framework that empowers students and uplifts the nation as a whole.
KUHeS Hosts 9th Malawi Mental Health Research and Practice Development Conference
In recognition of the Mental Health Month week in September, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) hosted the 9th Malawi Mental Health Research and Practice Development Conference.
This year’s conference, themed “Winds of Change: Harnessing Research to Enhance Mental Health and Healthcare in Malawi,” emphasized a collective commitment to improving mental health and healthcare in our beloved country.
During the official opening of the two-day event, KUHeS Vice Chancellor Professor Mac Mallewa highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts among practitioners to establish a shared vision for a Malawi where mental health is prioritized.
“We envision a Malawi where mental health is understood and integrated into our healthcare systems,” he declared.
He pointed out that low- and middle-income countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, face a significant burden of mental disorders.
Professor Mallewa noted that various natural disasters have intensified these challenges.
“Recently, we have seen the effects of climate change, including Cyclone Anna and Cyclone Freddie, which have displaced thousands and left many homeless and hungry. These situations exacerbate existing risk factors. Underfunding and limited access to mental health services, coupled with a high prevalence of mental disorders, result in a significant treatment gap,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of research capacity in addressing these multifaceted mental health challenges.
“Developing research capacity allows for the identification of priority mental health problems specific to Malawi, providing an evidence base for policymakers and providers to make informed decisions about which mental health initiatives to prioritize, particularly in an under-resourced landscape with multiple competing health priorities,” he explained.
Among the noteworthy speakers, Dr. George K. Brown presented on the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention to Reduce Suicide Risk. Additionally, Dr. Bonga Chiliza, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa, discussed
“Understanding Trauma in Psychosis through Historical Context,” emphasizing the need for culturally relevant interventions.
Mrs. Janet Mambulasa shared findings from a multi-method pilot study on community-based rehabilitation interventions for individuals with psychosis in Mulanje District.
“There is improved knowledge and information on mental health, and we are definitely seeing a change in attitudes among caregivers.”
This conference served as a vital platform for addressing the pressing mental health challenges in Malawi and fostering meaningful collaborations among researchers, policymakers, and healthcare providers.
KUHeS Students Give Back: Donation to Pediatric Special Ward at QUECH and KCH
As part of giving back to the community Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) students took a step beyond their studies to spread compassion and support at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) and Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH).
Armed with kindness and a heart for service, the students swept through the surrounding, bringing cheer and essential supplies to the guardians at the Paediatric Special Ward at QECH and Surgical Ward at KCH.
Isaac Visakose Kamfozi, President of the KUHeS Student Representative Council (SRC), explained that the donation aligns with their commitment to serve the healthcare facilities that play a crucial role in their training.
“These wards are where we conduct our practicals, and we noticed that many of our patients and their families are very much in need. So, we organized ourselves into various groups to contribute to this cause,” he stated.
Mary Moyo, Deputy in Charge of the Pediatric Special Care Ward, expressed her gratitude for the students’ contributions and their commitment to service at both QUECH and KCH.
“We are thankful for this donation because we receive patients from diverse backgrounds. When donations arrive, it brings us joy. We also appreciate their initiative in cleaning around the hospital. Cleanliness needs to start from the outside, and we are proud of these future professionals,” she said.
Sellina Mangame, a guardian of one of the young patients, thanked the students for their generous gesture and called on other community members to follow suit.
“I am very grateful for this donation; many of us here are struggling. We encourage others to emulate what these students have done,” she said.
The students contributed an assortment of items, including sugar, toilet paper, washing and bathing soap, along with soya pieces, all aimed at easing the challenges faced by families caring for children in the ward.
This initiative not only highlights the compassion and social responsibility of KUHeS students but also reinforces their commitment to serving the community as they prepare for their future roles in healthcare.
KUHeS hosts 14th International Think Tank
The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) hosted the 14th Annual International Think Tank Conference which is focused on the theme “Towards Institutionalisation of the Thanzi all disease and whole system model in Malawi and ECSA region”.
Speaking at the opening of the two-day conference Chief of Health Services responsible for reforms in the Ministry of Health (MoH), Martias Joshua said there is need to conduct research that will help communities to take part in financing the country’s health care system.
Joshua argued that it is concerning to see the health sector relying on donors to fund close to 50 percent.
“As you can see most of our budget in our health care system more than 50 percent comes from international donors and this is not healthy, we need to take over and start financing our health care ourselves. To achieve this, we need to some research to see how the community can contribute to our health care system,” he said.
Vice Chancellor Professor MacPherson Mallewa expressed optimism that the conference helped in addressing challenges faced in the health sector.
“You know in Malawi people talk about how good we are in coming up with policies which sometimes end up gathering dust some are even adopted by people from outside the country.
“This grouping today brings together all stakeholders who can together as one push for change. So, this grouping has been brought together to make sure that we narrow the gap between researchers, policy makers and implementers of the policies,” he said.
At the end of the conference HEPU Director Professor Joseph Mfutso Bengo, reflected on the fruitful deliberations by the stakeholders.
He highlighted the significance of priority setting in healthcare, especially when resources are limited, using the Health Technology Assessment framework.
“We are delighted to have hosted a Think Tank that brought together researchers and policymakers. It has been a wonderful two days of collaboration. Today, we focused on the crucial topic of priority setting using Health Technology Assessment,” he stated.
Honorable Mathews Ngwale, Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee, praised the efforts of all participants and called for action on research findings.
“We need to move beyond traditional approaches. It’s essential to engage with parliamentarians, present our research findings, and advocate for policies that benefit our communities,” he urged.
Principal Investigator from Imperial College of London Professor Timothy Hallet whose organization is supporting the health sector through the Thanzi la Mawa programme, expressed optimisim with the Think Tank.
“We have come very far we now have tools and data which is giving us good insights of what is happening in the health system in Malawi, we can see the incredible amount of benefit of having population how recent investments strengthening of the health system in Malawi,” he said.
