As the world marked World Mental Health Day on 10th October, the NIHR Global Health Research Group’s ‘Inspiring Adolescent Wellbeing’ Work Strand in Blantyre, Malawi, celebrated the power of creative storytelling in nurturing young people’s joy, resilience, and belonging. Using the Scottish Storyline methodology, children expressed their emotions and ideas through drawings, drama, and poems – creating safe, inclusive spaces where their voices were heard and valued. The workshops reminded us that mental wellbeing flourishes not only through addressing challenges but also by celebrating creativity, play, and the joy of connection.

REFLECTIONS ON MY FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: ICN CONGRESS 2025 IN HELSINKI, FINLAND Attending an international scientific conference for the first time is a defining moment in any academic journey. As a PhD student based in Malawi, I had the privilege of...

I had the privilege of attending and presenting at the African Health Economics and Policy Association (AfHEA) Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. Under the theme “Resilient and Strong African Health Systems: Contributions of Health Economics and Health Policy,” the...

'So far my classes are progressing very well' remarks Joseph Manthalu, 'we have completed three modules for the first year and we will now be going into the second year'. Joseph D. Manthalu - Rural Mchinji, Malawi District Youth Officer In my role as a Youth...

In recognition of World Wellbeing Week, our Global Health Research Group shares insights into what wellbeing actually means to adolescents in Malawi.
Through in-depth interviews and group discussions, young people described wellbeing as feeling emotionally safe, respected, supported by family and peers, and having their basic needs met. But they also highlighted the realities of poverty, domestic stress, and limited opportunities that continue to impact their emotional and social wellbeing.
These perspectives are shaping our approach to designing youth-led, contextually relevant interventions.
Read our blog to learn more on these initial findings

From water pumps to wellbeing, I never imagined my engineering journey would lead me here.
Chasing a long-standing passion for WASH, I stepped into the world of adolescent health – armed with technical skills, a curious mind, and a growing desire to drive real change.
Starting a PhD remotely from Tanzania, disconnected from peers in Glasgow and Malawi, left me wondering: how would I fit in?
Between parenting, packing, and pivoting into behavioural science, I found myself learning not just how to research – but how to listen, adapt, and connect.
This is not just a story about water or sanitation – it’s about finding my place in global health, and why centring adolescents is reshaping everything I thought I knew.

The NIHR-GHRG Steering Group Meeting 2025 brought together researchers, policymakers, and institutional partners in Blantyre to reflect on progress, share insights, and shape the next phase of work to improve adolescent health and wellbeing in Malawi. With presentations across six Work Strands and leadership from key ministries, the meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to youth-centred, evidence-driven impact.

“It’s Not Just a Process: Co-Designing WASH Interventions Also Strengthens Mental Health”

During Mental Health Awareness Week, NIHR-GHRG Work Strand 4 (WASH and Adolescent Health) reflects on how community-led co-design workshops have supported more than just sanitation solutions – they’ve nurtured adolescent mental wellbeing.

By bringing together adolescents, parents, teachers, health workers, and local leaders to collaboratively design interventions, we created safe, inclusive spaces where young people felt heard and valued. Discussions around menstruation, bullying, and hygiene facilities became gateways for building trust, empathy, and dignity—key pillars of mental health.

This experience reinforces a vital truth: community-driven participation isn’t just about solving problems – it’s a powerful act of collective care.

The Team researching on Inspiring Adolescent Wellbeing (WS6) recently completed a week-long training in Blantyre, Malawi, preparing researchers to explore how adolescents aged 10–14 perceive their social and emotional wellbeing. The training focused on ethical research practices, adapting tools into Chichewa, and using innovative storytelling methods to engage young participants. This participatory and narrative-driven approach aims to create a safe, child-centred environment where adolescents can share what truly matters to them.

“I have liked this meeting because it was safe. There was not that this one is old, and this one is young. We were all doing things as one.” (Male adolescent attendee) Work Strand 4 (WASH team) of the NIHR Global Research Group on Improving Adolescent Health &...