3 hours ago - Apr 23, 2026 | by Mercy Langwani

MUBAS Launches MOOVE Project to Evaluate AI in Healthcare

Partnerships Research Innovation SOST Global Partnerships

The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), through its School of Science and Technology (SOST), Department of Public and Environmental Health Sciences (PEHS), officially launched the Massive Online Open Validation and Evaluation of Large Medical Language Models for Resource-Constrained Settings (MOOVE) project with a kick-off workshop.The 12-month study seeks to critically evaluate the safety, accuracy, and suitability of large language models (LLMs), commonly known as Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, for supporting clinical decision-making in Malawi’s primary healthcare settings. The study is being led by Dr. Chiyembekezo Kachimanga in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

SOST Executive Dean, Assoc. Professor Mphatso Kamndaya opened the workshop

Opening the workshop, the Executive Dean of SOST, Mphatso Kamndaya, welcomed stakeholders and emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership. He also highlighted the need for strong financial accountability, referencing MUBAS’s recent certification for compliance in financial grant management.

Head of the Department of Public and Environmental Health Sciences, Save Kumwenda, explained that the study is driven by persistent challenges in accessing the right information and utilizing clinical information from LLMs. He noted that healthcare professionals often struggle to effectively assist large numbers of patients within each day and AI seem to be a promising tool to be used in decision making if well researched and used within the existing regulations.

“Large medical language models offer a potential solution by compressing complex information into conversational interfaces,” he said. “If properly validated and coordinated, these tools could significantly expand access to life-saving medical information.”

Kumwenda added that the project aims to establish a locally relevant evaluation framework that could transform access to medical knowledge across the country and ensure LLMs remain relevant, safe, effective and contextualized to Malawi’s primary healthcare settings.

Also speaking at the launch, Dr. Davie Zolowere, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Council of Malawi, underscored the importance of the study in guiding the responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

“As regulators, we are aware that some practitioners are already using AI,” he said. “Our priority is to find out if AI can make meaningful decisions based on the various Malawi treatment guidelines based on the patient information, and this study will provide critical guidance in that regard.”

The workshop convened a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi, the Medical Council of Malawi, and the Health Informatics Association of Malawi among others.