Malawi Medical Humanities Network (MMHN) Hosts Internal Workshop at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST)
by Saffie Chirambo, Malawi Medical Humanities Network Project Assistant
On December 20th, 2024, the Medical Humanities Project: Collaboration, Crossover and Community Care under the MMHN at MUST held a productive foundational and creative Internal Workshop.

The primary objective of this event was to build capacity among stakeholders in the academia specifically staff and students from diverse fields in health. Arts and humanities by highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approach collaboration, by unveiling the potential of this approach, the MMHN is fostering a richer understanding of medical humanities and its impact on healthcare.
The project aims at strengthening the medical sector by discovering holistic and innovative solutions to health care challenges through networking and collaborative efforts.enganging in research and community awareness initiatives that addresses real-world health challenges.
One of the keynote speakers, Dr. Chisomo Kalinga, the principal Investigator for the project, emphasized on the network as a creative space needed to be built with diverse ideas, promote the sensitization on the role of community in medical awareness, hence significance need of engagement and communication to overcome fear.
She also highlighted the need of serious attention to be given to diseases such as cervical cancer which disproportionately affects women through dissemination of accurate information.
The workshop also underscored the significance of exploring the intersection of culture and medicine as well as employing sustainable initiatives to promote medical humanities.
According to Dr. Atikonda Mtenje-Mkochi one of the speakers and the co-principal investigator, the initiative will establish a network that converges on cultural and medical aspects, fostering a comprehensive approach to healthcare.
Ms. Saffie Loncy Chirambo , the project Assistant presented on the overview of the projects plans, including the development of a Munda hub.
The innovative platform will serve as a forum for youths and adult scholars to explore the relationship between culture and Medicine.
Notably, the Munda hub will feature herbal medicine, discovering and promoting the proper use of locally available medicine; developing conventional medicine and showcasing a diverse array of local herbs.
The workshop was participated by MUST staff and students who engaged in lively discussion and interactive games. The gaps in health care, health challenges were anticipated hence a need for different scholars, communities and other stakeholders to collaboratively research and engage.
The event was further spiced by performances like poem recitals on cervical cancer awareness from MUST students, adding a creative touch to the proceedings.
The Medical Humanities Network project has the potential to drive transformative changes in the medical sector particularly in the realm of community-based healthcare.
By emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, medical awareness and sustainable practices, this initiative can contribute significantly to improving health outcomes in both local communities.
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