MCHS in search of partners

Leaving no stone unturned in extending network for potential collaborative partners, Malamulo College of Health Sciences (MCHS) team led by Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Florence Chipungu braved the distance to Neno District, the base station for Partners in Health (PIH) in Malawi, on 26 July, 2022.

PIH, otherwise known as “Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo” have been working in Neno for 15 years, in an attempt to improve health care and service delivery. Apart from complementing the Ministry of Health through services at Neno District Hospital, PIH oversees six community hospitals and health centers within the district, in an endeavor to uphold their mission of providing
quality health care for all.

PIH caught the eye for MCHS as a potential partner in several areas, including research – as PIH continuously generates health related data, clinical expertise – where the PIH work force have the capacity to assist MCHS in lecturing and curriculum development and Student support – where trainings and student supervision may be done. All these have the potential of making MCHS an institution of choice for medical training.

In his remarks, the PIH Country Director, DR, Luckson Duli applauded the initiative as it is in line with the vision of PHI to expand its services and projects through various means and partners. PIH has medical studies and research at heart, citing the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda, a PIH owned facility, which offers graduate and postgraduate studies.

Complementing the efforts of MCHS, on 01 September 2022, the PIH country Director visited Malamulo College campus in order to appreciate the capacity and readiness for the partnership. Potential areas were explored where MCHS may send students to Neno District Hospital, PIH staff may be the immediate supervisors for medical students. Research activities involving the two institutions are to begin. Making the best out of technology, virtual meetings and student instruction may be done.

More potential partnership areas will be explored as time goes. The dean of Academics for Malamulo College, Denis Gwesere was out of words with the commitment shown by PIH and pledged to make sure that this bilateral relationship
materializes.