The call was made on 29 May 2026 during the donation of a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) model and a nasopharyngeal model to St. Joseph College of Nursing and Midwifery in Chiradzulu. Funded by NEST360, the donation aims to enhance practical learning for nursing and midwifery students through simulation-based training.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Acting Design Studio Manager Chikumbutso Walani emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing the shortage of training equipment in health training institutions across the country.

“Partnerships among universities, healthcare institutions, development partners, and funders are crucial in addressing the shortage of training equipment in Malawi’s health sector. They help mobilize resources needed to develop innovative training models that equip students with practical skills before they enter clinical settings,” he said.

Walani added that while the Design Studio has the expertise to develop locally relevant training models, greater impact can only be achieved through sustained investment and collaborative support.

Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS) Clinical Coordinator Regina Makombe underscored the value of simulation equipment in preparing students for real-world healthcare environments.

“Training kits are essential because they expose students to real-life situations through simulation-based learning. They provide a safe platform for students to learn and practice procedures before performing them on actual patients,” she said.

Head of Midwifery at St. Joseph Hospital, Grace Kazembe, said the donation would significantly improve practical training at the institution.

“We do not have adequate models in our skills laboratory, and this is the first CPR model we have received that can mimic real-life responses. The donation will greatly enhance our training and ease our work,” she said.

The MUBAS team also toured the institution’s skills laboratory to appreciate how the donated equipment will support teaching and learning.

The initiative forms part of MUBAS Design Studio’s ongoing efforts to advance healthcare education through innovation and strategic partnerships. The donation also builds on feedback from nursing educators following a similar intervention last year, resulting in further improvements to the training models provided this year.