Malawi Leadership Program
The highest levels of the Malawian Ministry of Health experienced the power of HEAL’s work in Malawi over the last 10-plus years. HEAL co-created the Malawi Leadership Program to deepen our impact in the critical, undersupported public-sector clinical workforce.
Program Overview
Driven by HEAL Alumni in partnership with the Malawi Ministry of Health (MOH) and Partners in Health Malawi (APZU – Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo) the Malawi Leadership Program provides public sector clinicians with immersive training in systems thinking and collaborative practice, grounded in the real-world context of Neno, Malawi. Ongoing mentorship and side-by-side project work foster trust and long-term partnerships that challenge top-down approaches to global health. The program invests in the people already strengthening Malawi’s health system, ensuring care improves from the inside.
Program components
Intensive training and curriculum in leadership, advocacy, and power dynamics
Opportunities for professional development funding
Tailored mentorship by HEAL alumni with diverse experiences across East and Central Africa
Learning alongside HEAL’s global network of fellows and alumni
Meet our current fellows
From a young age in Malanje, Malawi, Annie Jumbe dreamed of a career in healthcare. Today, that dream is a reality—Annie serves as a Nurse Midwife Technician at Chifunga Health Centre, just a day’s journey from her hometown. When a coworker introduced her to the Malawi Leadership Program, Annie saw an opportunity to not only strengthen her leadership skills and grow professionally but also connect with a global community of like-minded health workers. Through HEAL, she’s eager to deepen her impact and continue providing compassionate, high-quality care to her community for the long haul.
From a young age in Malanje, Malawi, Annie Jumbe dreamed of a career in healthcare. Today, that dream is a reality—Annie serves as a Nurse Midwife Technician at Chifunga Health Centre, just a day’s journey from her hometown. When a coworker introduced her to the Malawi Leadership Program, Annie saw an opportunity to not only strengthen her leadership skills and grow professionally but also connect with a global community of like-minded health workers. Through HEAL, she’s eager to deepen her impact and continue providing compassionate, high-quality care to her community for the long haul.
Carolyne Ignatius Maida was born and raised in Malawi, where she and her mother shared an admiration for the compassion and strength of nurses. When her mother was unable to pursue a nursing career, Carolyne chose to carry that dream forward, becoming a nurse for both of them. Now a dedicated Nurse Midwife Technician, Carolyne joined the Malawi Leadership Program to deepen her understanding of the systemic barriers her community faces and grow as a leader. Through the program, she looks forward to gaining the advocacy, leadership, and social medicine skills needed to drive lasting change in the resource-denied communities she serves.
Carolyne Ignatius Maida was born and raised in Malawi, where she and her mother shared an admiration for the compassion and strength of nurses. When her mother was unable to pursue a nursing career, Carolyne chose to carry that dream forward, becoming a nurse for both of them. Now a dedicated Nurse Midwife Technician, Carolyne joined the Malawi Leadership Program to deepen her understanding of the systemic barriers her community faces and grow as a leader. Through the program, she looks forward to gaining the advocacy, leadership, and social medicine skills needed to drive lasting change in the resource-denied communities she serves.
Catherine Langton, a Nurse Midwife Technician from Blantyre, Malawi, entered healthcare to serve underserved communities, and nearly a decade later, continues to approach her work with purpose and compassion.
As a Malawi Leadership Fellow, Catherine looks forward to strengthening her leadership and advocacy skills while gaining knowledge and confidence from other fellows to improve her care for her patients. Catherine hopes the program will help her become a leader who guides both patients and fellow healthcare workers, while remaining responsive to the cultural and spiritual needs of her community. She’s also excited to expand her professional network and build her capacity as a mentor.
Looking ahead, Catherine aims to increase her impact at the facility and community levels and eventually advance into a higher position within the health system.
Catherine Langton, a Nurse Midwife Technician from Blantyre, Malawi, entered healthcare to serve underserved communities, and nearly a decade later, continues to approach her work with purpose and compassion.
As a Malawi Leadership Fellow, Catherine looks forward to strengthening her leadership and advocacy skills while gaining knowledge and confidence from other fellows to improve her care for her patients. Catherine hopes the program will help her become a leader who guides both patients and fellow healthcare workers, while remaining responsive to the cultural and spiritual needs of her community. She’s also excited to expand her professional network and build her capacity as a mentor.
Looking ahead, Catherine aims to increase her impact at the facility and community levels and eventually advance into a higher position within the health system.
Essie Kansilanga, a Community Health Nurse Midwife Technician from Dedza, Malawi, was inspired to join the Malawi Leadership Program after witnessing the powerful impact of HEAL alumni at her medical center. Essie is excited to join HEAL’s engaged network of healthcare professionals across Africa—sharing knowledge, strengthening skills, and working collaboratively to improve care in underserved communities. Committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health, Essie is especially passionate about engaging men in the movement for reproductive justice.
Essie Kansilanga, a Community Health Nurse Midwife Technician from Dedza, Malawi, was inspired to join the Malawi Leadership Program after witnessing the powerful impact of HEAL alumni at her medical center. Essie is excited to join HEAL’s engaged network of healthcare professionals across Africa—sharing knowledge, strengthening skills, and working collaboratively to improve care in underserved communities. Committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health, Essie is especially passionate about engaging men in the movement for reproductive justice.
Born in Ntcheu District, Malawi, Ireen Kaonda was drawn to healthcare from a young age, inspired by a deep desire to care for the sick. To pursue that passion, Ireen has spent over 16 years as a nurse, serving patients and expanding access to reproductive health services through both facility-based and outreach programs.
As a Malawi Leadership Fellow, Ireen looks forward to strengthening her leadership, advocacy, and quality improvement skills to address systemic challenges facing the underserved communities she serves. She’s eager to collaborate with a global network of HEAL fellows and alumni to learn, grow, and implement innovative community-based health solutions.
Ireen envisions a future where she leads efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Neno, Malawi, and beyond, conducting research and using data to advocate for systemic change. To make that a reality, Ireen wants to pursue a Master’s and PhD, mentor future health leaders, and partner with international organizations to expand healthcare access for the most vulnerable.
Born in Ntcheu District, Malawi, Ireen Kaonda was drawn to healthcare from a young age, inspired by a deep desire to care for the sick. To pursue that passion, Ireen has spent over 16 years as a nurse, serving patients and expanding access to reproductive health services through both facility-based and outreach programs.
As a Malawi Leadership Fellow, Ireen looks forward to strengthening her leadership, advocacy, and quality improvement skills to address systemic challenges facing the underserved communities she serves. She’s eager to collaborate with a global network of HEAL fellows and alumni to learn, grow, and implement innovative community-based health solutions.
Ireen envisions a future where she leads efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Neno, Malawi, and beyond, conducting research and using data to advocate for systemic change. To make that a reality, Ireen wants to pursue a Master’s and PhD, mentor future health leaders, and partner with international organizations to expand healthcare access for the most vulnerable.
Joel Ng’ambi, originally from Neno District, Malawi, embarked on a healthcare career driven by a deep-rooted passion for improving community health outcomes. His journey began with a Diploma in Clinical Medicine from Malamulo College of Health Sciences, followed by a BSc in Public Health from Share World University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Manipa Academy for Higher Learning.
Joel’s commitment to healthcare excellence led him to join HEAL as a Fellow, inspired by their mission to empower healthcare leaders and drive sustainable health initiatives. With a robust background as an HIV Testing Coordinator and extensive experience in monitoring and evaluation, Joel brings expertise in health system management and community engagement.
Beyond his professional achievements, Joel is dedicated to HIV prevention and community education, serving as Chairperson of the HIV Prevention Service under the District AIDS Coordinating Committee. His interests extend to project management and training, evidenced by his roles as a National Supervision Team Lead and ART Trainer of Trainers.
As a HEAL Fellow, Joel looks forward to leveraging his skills to foster innovation in healthcare delivery, enhance leadership capabilities, and implement impactful initiatives that address local health challenges effectively.
Joel Ng’ambi, originally from Neno District, Malawi, embarked on a healthcare career driven by a deep-rooted passion for improving community health outcomes. His journey began with a Diploma in Clinical Medicine from Malamulo College of Health Sciences, followed by a BSc in Public Health from Share World University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Manipa Academy for Higher Learning.
Joel’s commitment to healthcare excellence led him to join HEAL as a Fellow, inspired by their mission to empower healthcare leaders and drive sustainable health initiatives. With a robust background as an HIV Testing Coordinator and extensive experience in monitoring and evaluation, Joel brings expertise in health system management and community engagement.
Beyond his professional achievements, Joel is dedicated to HIV prevention and community education, serving as Chairperson of the HIV Prevention Service under the District AIDS Coordinating Committee. His interests extend to project management and training, evidenced by his roles as a National Supervision Team Lead and ART Trainer of Trainers.
As a HEAL Fellow, Joel looks forward to leveraging his skills to foster innovation in healthcare delivery, enhance leadership capabilities, and implement impactful initiatives that address local health challenges effectively.
Joseph Kulemera, a Nurse Midwife Technician from Mangochi, Malawi, joined the Malawi Leadership Program to improve his clinical skills so he can better serve his patients. As he delved deeper into the fellowship, Joseph saw an even greater opportunity to grow not just as a healthcare provider but as a changemaker. Now, he’s eager to strengthen his leadership, advocacy, and structural competency skills to address the barriers that limit access to care in his community at all levels. Joseph is committed to advancing his education while improving access to and quality of healthcare in his community.
Joseph Kulemera, a Nurse Midwife Technician from Mangochi, Malawi, joined the Malawi Leadership Program to improve his clinical skills so he can better serve his patients. As he delved deeper into the fellowship, Joseph saw an even greater opportunity to grow not just as a healthcare provider but as a changemaker. Now, he’s eager to strengthen his leadership, advocacy, and structural competency skills to address the barriers that limit access to care in his community at all levels. Joseph is committed to advancing his education while improving access to and quality of healthcare in his community.
Motivated by a deep compassion for those in need of medical care, Petros Ngulube pursued a career in health to make a difference in the lives of underserved communities. Now, a Nurse Midwife Technician, Petros joined the Malawi Leadership Program to learn more about leadership, advocacy, and health equity so he can make positive changes in his community. Petros is looking forward to developing professionally and advocating for patients who often go unheard.
Motivated by a deep compassion for those in need of medical care, Petros Ngulube pursued a career in health to make a difference in the lives of underserved communities. Now, a Nurse Midwife Technician, Petros joined the Malawi Leadership Program to learn more about leadership, advocacy, and health equity so he can make positive changes in his community. Petros is looking forward to developing professionally and advocating for patients who often go unheard.
When Steve Ching’anda was just 10 years old, he fell sick and was hospitalized for a month. During that time, he remembers a nurse who regularly checked in on him, offering care, compassion, and hope. The nurse’s kindness inspired Steve to pursue a healthcare career. Now a clinical officer serving the very community where he was born and raised, Steve understands the struggles and barriers his patients face in receiving healthcare. Through the Malawi Leadership Program, Steve is eager to expand his clinical expertise and strengthen his leadership and advocacy skills, especially around advancing gender equity in healthcare.
When Steve Ching’anda was just 10 years old, he fell sick and was hospitalized for a month. During that time, he remembers a nurse who regularly checked in on him, offering care, compassion, and hope. The nurse’s kindness inspired Steve to pursue a healthcare career. Now a clinical officer serving the very community where he was born and raised, Steve understands the struggles and barriers his patients face in receiving healthcare. Through the Malawi Leadership Program, Steve is eager to expand his clinical expertise and strengthen his leadership and advocacy skills, especially around advancing gender equity in healthcare.
Taweni Nyirenda’s path to healthcare began with a painful moment—watching her grandmother be denied cataract treatment simply because of her age. She was 70. Taweni promised herself then to become a healthcare worker dedicated to serving vulnerable patients. Now, a nurse midwife technician Taweni joined the Malawi Leadership Program because it aligns with her mission to bring compassionate, equitable care to underserved communities. She looks forward to connecting with the larger HEAL community of like-minded healthcare workers who share her vision and passion.
Taweni Nyirenda’s path to healthcare began with a painful moment—watching her grandmother be denied cataract treatment simply because of her age. She was 70. Taweni promised herself then to become a healthcare worker dedicated to serving vulnerable patients. Now, a nurse midwife technician Taweni joined the Malawi Leadership Program because it aligns with her mission to bring compassionate, equitable care to underserved communities. She looks forward to connecting with the larger HEAL community of like-minded healthcare workers who share her vision and passion.
Tikhale Singano, originally from Thyolo, Malawi, became a healthcare worker with a clear purpose—to serve those who are too often denied quality healthcare. Her journey began with a certificate in Clinical Medicine, and she then returned to school to earn her diploma. Now a part of the Malawi Leadership Program, Tikhale is focused on deepening her leadership skills and building a career rooted in health equity. She is especially passionate about mentoring others and hopes to inspire the next generation of health equity leaders across Malawi.
Tikhale Singano, originally from Thyolo, Malawi, became a healthcare worker with a clear purpose—to serve those who are too often denied quality healthcare. Her journey began with a certificate in Clinical Medicine, and she then returned to school to earn her diploma. Now a part of the Malawi Leadership Program, Tikhale is focused on deepening her leadership skills and building a career rooted in health equity. She is especially passionate about mentoring others and hopes to inspire the next generation of health equity leaders across Malawi.
Originally from Thyolo, Malawi, Tinenenji Sitima became a Clinical Technician after witnessing the lack of providers who truly understood their patients’ conditions and lived experiences. She stepped into the healthcare field to be that kind of provider who listens, understands, and acts out of compassion. To deepen her impact and grow as a leader, Tinenenji joined the Malawi Leadership Program to gain tools to better treat illnesses while tackling the deeper barriers affecting her patients’ health. She looks forward to working alongside her mentor to meet her professional goals and the larger HEAL community to drive community-based projects that improve healthcare delivery and transform the lives of her community.
Originally from Thyolo, Malawi, Tinenenji Sitima became a Clinical Technician after witnessing the lack of providers who truly understood their patients’ conditions and lived experiences. She stepped into the healthcare field to be that kind of provider who listens, understands, and acts out of compassion. To deepen her impact and grow as a leader, Tinenenji joined the Malawi Leadership Program to gain tools to better treat illnesses while tackling the deeper barriers affecting her patients’ health. She looks forward to working alongside her mentor to meet her professional goals and the larger HEAL community to drive community-based projects that improve healthcare delivery and transform the lives of her community.
