A delegation from Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHes) in Blantyre, Malawi, has been welcomed at events in Scotland marking twenty years – and more – of partnership between institutions in both countries.
SIDA and some of our members joined meetings at the University of Glasgow, and a special joint meeting of the Cross Party Groups on Malawi and International Development at the Scottish Parliament, to learn more about and celebrate the innovations and achievements of the projects over the years.
The delegation was led by Prof. Macpherson Mallewa, Vice Chancellor of KUHes and Prof. Sosten Chiotha, Chairperson of the University, joined by Dr Belinda Gombachika, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Mr Christopher Namagowa, Registrar and Dr Benjamin Kumwenda, Director of Student Affairs who is the Scottish Government Projects’ Lead. Justice Thokozani Agnes Patemba, Malawi Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom has also been accompanying the delegation.
At the University of Glasgow on Monday 10th March, participants heard about the many collaborations between the two institutions, particularly the Blantyre-Blantyre Project, an equitable partnership to tackle critical global issues around healthcare, medicine and inequalities. Alongside a cutting-edge research facility established with Scottish Government support, the Blantyre–Blantyre project has produced a joint healthcare programme to compare the cause of poor health and low life expectancy in Blantyre, Malawi and in the West of Scotland. The Blantyre-Blantyre research facility in Malawi, which is currently supported by a five-year £1m grant from the Scottish Government’s International Development Fund, houses state-of-the-art research and diagnostic equipment. The centre hosts researchers and postgraduate students from the global south and the global north, working together on joint research and grant applications, while laboratories provide diagnostic clinical services to local medical schemes.
Professor Macpherson Mallewa said:
“We are happy to visit the University of Glasgow. The partnership between Kamuzu University of Health Sciences and the University of Glasgow has been a driving force in advancing health sciences and education through collaborative (research) projects, capacity building, and knowledge exchange. This collaboration has strengthened our institutions and contributed to meaningful improvements in healthcare in our respective countries. We remain committed to deepening our engagement and expanding our shared impact for the future.”
Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey, who also attended the event, said:
“Scotland’s continued international research and development partnerships drive lasting change in health, education and research which has an immense impact on communities both locally and globally. I am grateful to our universities for their unwavering support and dedication to these partnerships.
“One of our key partners since the establishment of the Scottish Government’s International Development Programme 20 years ago has been the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi. This collaboration has helped drive profound transformations, from pioneering Malawi’s first dental school to facilitating cutting-edge research.
“We are determined to build on the good work with KUHeS in pushing forward innovations for Malawi and beyond.”
On Tuesday 11th March, the delegation visited the Scottish Parliament to attend a joint meeting of the Cross Party Groups on International Development and Malawi, chaired by Sarah Boyack MSP. The meeting heard more from the visitors about the success of existing projects and plans for the future, including ongoing partnerships with the Universities of Dundee, Edinburgh, and the West of Scotland. There was a lively discussion following the presentations about efforts to ensure gender balance on the courses offered at KUHeS, and the steps being taken to retain talented graduates in Malawi. A key factor, supported by the projects, is the availability of world-class facilities which support post-doctoral studies and ongoing research.
2025 marks twenty years since the Scottish Government established an International Development Fund under then-First Minister Jack McConnell, and the signing of the first Co-operation Agreement between the Governments of Malawi and Scotland.
You can read more about the events at Glasgow University here: University of Glasgow – University news – Malawi and Glasgow researchers champion key health partnerships. A recording of the Cross-Party Groups meeting is available here: Joint Malawi & International Development Cross-Party Groups | Scotland Malawi Partnership.