KUHeS significantly contributing towards Malawi’s development of sound health care system 

* Developed Changu, an innovation created jointly by KUHeS students and scientists from the University of Australia for rapid diagnosis of syphilis — been instrumental in preventing children from being born with the disease 

* Developed rapid malaria tests being used in rural settings to improve patient outcomes where resources are limited 

* Reintroduced electronic disease surveillance tools in Blantyre health facilities, which has enabled timely reporting of cholera cases 

* As graduates 193 students in Blantyre marking the university’s second graduation since it became an independent institution

By Chifundo Kowedza, MANA

At the graduation of 193 students — marking the second congregation of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) since its unbundling from the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Vice-Chancellor, Prof. MacPherson Mallewa highlighted that despite its young age, the university towards the country’s development of sound health care system.

He singled out projects such as the development of Changu, an innovation created jointly by KUHeS students and scientists from the University of Australia for rapid diagnosis of syphilis — a tool which he said has been instrumental in preventing children from being born with the disease.

The university had also developed rapid malaria tests being used in rural settings to improve patient outcomes where resources are limited and also reintroduced electronic disease surveillance tools in Blantyre health facilities — which have enabled timely reporting of cholera cases.

The second graduation ceremony is also an achievement as a total of 193 graduands received master’s degrees, first degrees, diplomas and certificates — of which 102 were women while 91 were men, representing diverse disciplines in health sciences.

Prof. Mallewa applauded the graduands for their hard work and sleepless nights that have brought them to the final day of graduation.

“Today we celebrate your success,” Prof. Mallewa said, while urging the graduands to remain ambassadors of hope and humanity as they embark on their professional and personal journeys — reminding of the role of family and community support in their success.

KUHeS Council chairperson, Prof. Sosten Chiotha, also outlined some of the council’s achievements since its establishment, highlighting the induction in corporate governance and oriented members on the strategic plan for 2024-2034.

He emphasised that the governance procedures were crucial for aligning the council’s oversight role with the long-term vision of the university.

Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Jessie Kabwira, and the Secretary for Higher Education from the Higher Education Students’ Loans & Grants Board (HESLG) both commended KUHeS for contributing to the growth of Malawi’s health sector by producing highly skilled graduates.

Observers at the event said KUHeS continues to establish itself as a centre of excellence for training health professionals and advancing research. They noted that the university’s innovations in diagnostics and disease surveillance were helping to address some of Malawi’s most pressing health challenges.

As the graduates join the workforce, stakeholders expressed optimism that they will contribute to strengthening the country’s health systems and improving service delivery in both rural and urban areas.—Editing by Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express