KUHeS CONFERS CERTIFICATES TO MDF NURSES AND ANAESTHETISTS AFTER SPECILIASED TRAINING

KUHeS CONFERS CERTIFICATES TO MDF NURSES AND ANAESTHETISTS AFTER SPECILIASED TRAINING

The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), through its School of Nursing, proudly awarded certificates to 29 Malawi Defence Force (MDF) nurses and anaesthetists who successfully completed an intensive four-week training program in Emergency, Critical, and Operative Care.

The cohort of 29, which included 17 nurses and 2 anaesthetists, hails from various military units across the country. Their specialized training is part of an ongoing effort to enhance their clinical expertise, preparing them to manage a Level II hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they will be deployed to support MDF operations.
Executive Dean School of Nursing Associate Professor Genis Chorwe said he was happy that the School of Nursing was able to provide such training to the men and women in uniform who get to serve in the country and beyond.

Prof. Chorwe said what is more exciting is how the soldiers from Malawi stand out saying reports they receive indicate they perform very well.

“This is not the first cohort we have trained. And it is comforting and encouraging that these people we train perform very well when they are deployed outside the country to offer services. This not only reflects well on KUHeS as an institution of excellence but it goes to show how as a country, we dedicate ourselves when situation demands. We hope to continue such kinds of partnerships to improve on the health service delivery,” he said.
During the ceremony, KUHeS Vice Chancellor Professor Mac Mallewa lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of such skills in strengthening both the national and regional healthcare systems.

“In recent years, Malawi has faced numerous emergencies that underscore the need for highly trained professionals in emergency care. Like many other African nations, we are confronting a dual burden of non-communicable and communicable diseases, which lead to critical illness. Moreover, trauma-related injuries remain a significant cause of death and disability among our youth,” he noted.

Prof. Mallewa further acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between KUHeS, the Ministry of Health, and the MDF.

“This marks the third cohort of MDF personnel to be trained at KUHeS, following successful outcomes from the first two groups trained in 2021 and 2022. We are pleased to hear that these alumni have excelled in their roles in the DRC. We hope this partnership continues to flourish for the benefit of our institutions and our nation,” he added.

Brigadier Dr. Kingsley Magomero, the Commandant for Military Health Services, emphasized the importance of continual professional development.
“Medicine is a craft that requires constant honing. Like athletes who train to improve their skills, we must always strive to better ourselves. Our soldiers have consistently been praised for their exceptional work, and this training will further enhance their abilities,” he said.

James Manyetela, the Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Health, also expressed his support for the program, underscoring how it contributes to strengthening the healthcare system both in Malawi and beyond.

The participants gained hands-on experience at Kamuzu Central Hospital, working in critical areas such as the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, and Theatre—ensuring they were well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

This training initiative reflects the growing importance of skilled healthcare professionals in both national and international settings, reinforcing the value of partnerships that improve the quality of care in Malawi and across the African continent.

To ensure that the participants gained practical experience, the training included hands-on exposure at Kamuzu Central Hospital, where they worked in critical areas such as the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, and operating theatre.