Five years ago, government delinked the University of Malawi (Unima) to establish four autonomous institutions of higher learning. This led to the birth of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes), a merger of the then College of Medicine (CoM) and Kamuzu College of Nursing (KCN). As LUCKY MKANDAWIRE, News Analyst writes, the university today stands as a symbol of research excellence, innovation and national service in the country and beyond.
Established on May 4 2021, Kuhes inherited proud legacies while embracing a future defined by discovery and impact.
So in just five years, Kuhes has become a respected higher learning institution nationally and internationally.
Vice-chancellor Macpherson Mallewa believes his institution’s achievements reflect determination and vision cultivated since its establishment.
He describes the progress as evidence that Malawi can build world-class institutions capable of producing globally recognised scholarship while addressing pressing national healthcare priorities.
“As Malawi’s premier academic and health research institution, Kuhes embodies a critical role in advancing health research, translating evidence into policy and practice in both Malawi and the Sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.
Mallewa explains that the university has consistently contributed to improving health systems, population health outcomes and positioning Malawi within the global scientific fraternity.
“Suffice to note that since inception, Kuhes has made splendid steps towards achieving research excellence, contributing to national and global health priorities,” he adds.
Early this year, Kuhes was ranked ranked number six among African academic institutions in health sciences research output.
The 2025 ranking by Nature Index provides absolute count of primary research articles and fractional share counts of author contribution to articles.
According to its website, Nature Index tracks primary research articles from 145 natural-science and health-science journals, chosen based on reputation by an independent group of researchers.
Mallewa describes the development as a testament to the university’s commitment to being a world class university.
Further in February this year, Kuhes was officially accredited as a platinum-tier institution in grants management and research governance under the ARS1651-2018 Good Financial Grant Practice by KPMG-Kenya.
This makes Kuhes the first Malawian higher education institution to attain platinum certification.
For many Malawians, the institution also represents more than lecture halls and laboratories, but hope that local knowledge can solve local challenges and improve healthcare outcomes across communities.
Research sits at the heart of its identity because from infectious diseases to mental health, its scientists generate evidence that shapes healthcare decisions and influences policy.
Its thematic research areas include HIV and cancer, maternal and neonatal health, mental and oral health, as well as life sciences and clinical trials relevant to the local and African context.
These, according to Mallewa, are supported through strengthened ethics systems, mentorship initiatives, specialised training and investments in infrastructure that allow scientists to pursue high-quality investigations and innovations.
Evidence generated by university researchers has informed national guidelines and strategic plans addressing infectious diseases, maternal health, child health and non-communicable diseases affecting Malawian communities.
Its studies have helped policymakers make decisions grounded in local realities rather than relying solely on imported evidence from different healthcare environments and populations.
“The university’s contribution during the recent Covid-19 outbreak enhanced national preparedness and response mechanisms thereby demonstrating its capacity to timely respond rapidly to emerging health threats,” says Mallewa.
Further, its influence extends beyond Malawi’s borders through collaborations with international institutions, participation in multi-country studies and involvement in clinical.
These partnerships have enhanced knowledge exchange, expanded access to advanced research methods and elevated Malawi’s profile within the global scientific community and research networks.
Infrastructure development has become another hallmark of Kuhes’ first five years where modern facilities have continued to transform the university into a vibrant centre for health education.
For Mallewa, the university has also maintained an enviable reputation for research productivity and continues ranking among African institutions with remarkable numbers of grants and publications per capita.
Research dissemination also remains central to Kuhes’ philosophy where knowledge generated in laboratories reach policymakers, practitioners and communities to improve health outcomes and save lives.
This commitment, according to Mallewa, inspired the establishment of research dissemination conferences (RDCs), platforms designed to connect researchers, policymakers and development partners through evidence-sharing and meaningful dialogue.
The first RDC was held in 2022 and now attention is turning towards the fifth conference scheduled for September and October this year.
Conference abstracts are expected to highlight innovations in HIV, cancer, maternal health, mental health, oral health, clinical trials and broader health systems strengthening initiatives.
Beyond ceremonies and research achievements, Kuhes has cultivated a unique cultural identity through its anthem which is a musical expression of institutional values and aspirations.
Lasting two minutes and 22 seconds, the anthem prominently features Kuhes’ guiding motto, ‘Excellence for Life’ and reinforces the enduring value of service and scholarship.
“Its verses celebrate hope, empathy, integrity, diversity, innovation and teamwork while portraying Kuhes as a beacon illuminating pathways towards healthier communities and stronger futures,” declares Mallewa.
Secretary for Education Ken Ndala expresses delight with Kuhes’ initiatives noting since becoming autonomous, it has shown “tremendous improvement” in producing graduates that can solve real-world problems.
“Within the five years it has developed several programmes that are generally focusing on the health challenges facing the country. It has also demonstrated the value of aligning education with national development priorities which is quite encouraging.
“Further, Kuhes has been conducting researches on different topics that have also contributed to its expansion and become a centre of excellence. So the five years are indeed worth celebrating despite being a short period,” he says.
One of the historic milestones occurred on November 12 2024 when the university’s held its inaugural graduation ceremony and celebrated the first 102 cohort produced under its independent identity.
Mallewa told the congregation “together we have laid a foundation, a foundation built on excellence, innovation and deep commitment to community service.”
Kuhes’ first student to graduate with a distinction in Bachelor of Health Management Systems Taonga Kanyenda says the university is not just a school, but offers excellence.
“Kuhes is a community that believes in greatness and great things,” she states.
“I thank God every day for giving me the opportunity to study through the corridors of Kuhes and being chosen as the first student still brings a shock in my life.”
Kanyenda, who currently works with Mdeka Health Centre under the Blantyre District Health Office (DHO), expresses gratitude to the lecturers, friends, sleepless nights and every assignment that built her.
“As Kuhes is celebrating its fifth anniversary, I’m so proud of the lecturers who make it happen all the time. They pour their skills into us and we are indeed a reflection of who they are.
“And to everyone still pursuing their journey at Kuhes, believe in yourself. The sky is the limit,” challenges the 2024 graduate.
Education expert Island Mtambo describes Kuhes as the country’s most prestigious university with strengthened and expanded academic programmes and stronger platform for research, innovation and professional training.
He observes apart from increased academic programs, Kuhes has also ventured into serious research and innovation initiatives he describes as crucial for economic independence.
“We have also seen the professional development. They have been organising specialised seminars and symposiums… I think they have achieved quite a lot as an independent university,” says Mtambo.
Parliamentary Committee on Health chairperson Anthony Masamba believes the fifth anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the university’s contribution to strengthening the country’s health workforce.
Masamba, a former Kuhes student, insists Kuhes has played a critical role in producing skilled personnel whether doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other health professionals, needed to support the health system.
“Kuhes has been the most outstanding university since its delinking. It has always maintained its standards and produced the most decorated health professionals.
“But the university must enhance its research studies because they uplift the universities on rankings whether regional or global. As such our expectation, as a committee, is that the university will maintain and enhance its quality standard,” he concludes.
