St John of God University

Community Mental Health Promotion

On 14 May 2026, our final-year Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing students conducted a Community Mental Health Promotion activity at Ching’ambo Primary School in Mzuzu.

The students engaged with community members on mental health awareness, early identification of mental health challenges, and the importance of family and community support. They also displayed substances such as ma*****na and alcohol while explaining the dangers of substance abuse and its effects on mental health.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Kamanga, Block Leader of the Ching’ambo community, commended the students and the University for bringing mental health awareness closer to the people. He encouraged parents and guardians to pay greater attention to the mental well-being of their children, emphasising that mental health should be given the same importance as physical health.

Guest Speaker and Deputy Mayor, Mr. Chiyembekezo Mvula, also expressed his appreciation for the initiative and praised the University for its continued commitment to promoting mental health in communities. He encouraged the institution to extend similar outreach activities to all 15 wards of Mzuzu so that more people can benefit from mental health education and awareness.

📸 In Pictures.

Honouring the legacy of Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda as we celebrate Kamuzu Day. 🇲🇼

📢 Call for Abstracts | 4th Research Dissemination Conference

Saint John of God University invites researchers, academicians, students, and health professionals to submit abstracts for the 4th Research Dissemination Conference under the theme:

“Building Resilience, Sustainability and Equitable Health Systems for a Changing World.”

🗓️ Conference Dates: 28–29 October 2026
📍 Venue: Saint John of God University
📌 Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 June 2026

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of health systems through research, innovation, and collaboration.

Happy International Nurses Day! 💙

Where Learning Meets Practice 🧠

As part of their clinical practice, our Psychotherapy students (Year 2, Semester 2) had an opportunity to gain hands-on experience at Zomba Mental Central Hospital, interacting with patients and observing different approaches to mental health care in a professional setting.

The placement allowed students to learn beyond textbooks while building clinical skills, compassion, and professional confidence.

📸 Supervision visit in pictures.

Staff Spotlight🏅

Since 2004, Mr. Damazio Mtegha has witnessed the institution’s journey from a College of Health Sciences with two programmes to a fully accredited University with seven programmes in 2025. Through his dedication and service, he has continuously supported students and staff by providing access to learning resources, guidance in information searching, and a welcoming learning environment that has contributed to academic growth across generations of students.

Taking Mental Health to the Community 🧠

Our BSc in Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing students visited Ching’ambo Primary School as part of their Community Mental Health clinical practice, where they engaged learners in meaningful conversations about mental health awareness.

Through simple and interactive discussions, they helped young learners understand the importance of mental well-being and encouraged open conversations from an early age.

📸 In Pictures.

Congratulations to Mrs. Catherine Titanus Mwale, Principal Lecturer, on this well-deserved recognition. 👏🏽

INSPIRING WOMAN OF THE MONTH

Have you ever met a woman dedicated to reshaping Nursing Education through research? Meet Catherine Mwale 👩🏽‍⚕️

Catherine holds a MSc in Mental Health Nursing from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Nursing (Mental Health) at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.

As an early career researcher, Catherine has had the opportunity of presenting at both national and international conferences. This includes the Saint John of God (SJOG) Research Dissemination conference, Public Health Research Conference, Sigma Tau Theta Congress, AFREhealth, and the International Family Nursing Conference 🌍

In addition to this, she is a recipient of the prestigious UNC Project M-HIRST PhD Fellowship, a co-applicant on the SJOG grant focusing on Climate Change and Mental Health in Blantyre, and a Principal Investigator for a SJOG Seed Grant supporting individuals and families living with mental disorders in Northern Malawi.

Catherine joined WIDREM in 2022 and has actively contributed as a grant writing subcommittee member, led manuscript writing teams as well as participated in various sensitization activities. “ WIDREM has opened doors to networking, mentorship, and new skills in grant writing, research, and leadership" appreciates Catherine.

Beyond research, she has demonstrated strong leadership serving as the Head of Nursing Department, Dean of Academic Programs, and Seed Global Health Partnership Coordinator. At the moment, she is a Principal Lecturer at St. John of God University. Since 2010, she has dedicated her career to nursing education, mentoring and shaping future health professionals.

Balancing her career, school, and family has not been easy. Yet, her guiding principle remains taking one step at a time while focusing on what is within her capacity. Her message to fellow women is clear “take chances, growth follows courage"

New publication alert! 📢

Experiences and Coping Behaviours of Clients with Sexually Transmitted Infections in Malawi.

📲 Scan the QR code or click the link below to access the full publication: https://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/3131/6880

Staff Spotlight🏅

Behind every milestone is a leader worth recognizing — Dr. Esmie Mkwinda (PhD). 👏

Happy Labour Day!