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.