By Killion Mseteka
St John of God University graduates have been challenged to apply their skills with integrity and compassion to address Malawi’s evolving healthcare needs.
The call was made on today during the university’s 17th Congregation held in Mzuzu, where 73 students graduated in health-related programs.
Guest of Honour, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Rt. Rev. Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, urged graduates to uphold integrity and compassion in service delivery.
The Bishop emphasized that mental and physical health must be treated with equal priority to improve community health outcomes.
He further called for proper safeguarding of medical equipment in health facilities to ensure quality and sustainable delivery of services.
Nyirenda also encouraged graduates to remain patient amid unemployment challenges. He appealed to employers to expand health services to create more job opportunities.
Council Chair of St. John of God University, Dr. Lillian Chirwa, said the country urgently needs mental health professionals in primary and secondary schools.
Dr. Chirwa noted that early intervention in schools will help young people identify and manage mental illness. She challenged graduates to help address Malawi’s growing mental health burden, saying “the sky is the limit” for hardworking professionals.
On his part, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Mzuzu University, Dr. Simeon Gwai, called for stronger collaboration between academia and industry. He said such partnerships will ensure graduates remain competitive in the evolving health sector.
One of the graduates, Benson Boma, who obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, expressed commitment to applying his skills in the corporate world .
The 73 graduates were awarded certificates and degrees in Diploma in Clinical Medicine, Bachelor of Science in Mental Health (Psychiatric Nursing), and Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine (Mental Health).