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REFLECTIONS ON MY FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: ICN CONGRESS 2025 IN HELSINKI, FINLAND

Bridging Theory and Practice: Malawi Youth Officers’ Journeys Through the CYC Masters Programme

'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...

World Wellbeing Week 24 – 30th June 2025: Understanding Adolescent Wellbeing in Malawi

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

Engineering a fresh path: my PhD journey to exploring adolescent health and behaviour science.

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.

NIHR-GHRG Steering Group Meeting 2025

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 workshops also strengthens Mental Health

“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.

Listening Differently: WS6 Trains for Child-Centred Research on Adolescent Wellbeing in Blantyre

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.

Co-Designing of Water Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Interventions Continues in Blantyre City

“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 &...

Breaking the Chains of Child Marriage in Malawi: A New Dawn for Girls

Imagine being forced into marriage before finishing school, with your dreams set aside by tradition and poverty. For many young girls in Malawi, this is a reality, as the country’s child marriage rate remains at a staggering 37.7%—almost double the global average. Despite efforts to end this practice, the question remains: why does it persist, and what can be done to change it?

Finally, the chance to return!

By Dr. Tara Beattie My last visit to Malawi was just before Covid19 hit in 2020, and obviously during the pandemic opportunity to come out was very restricted. I was then disappointed I couldn’t attend the project launch meeting in November 2022. So when the...

 Exploring Adolescent Health in Malawi: A Journey through Longitudinal Insights

Welcome to our blog, where we embark on a fascinating journey investigating the   complexities of early adolescent health and well-being in the vibrant landscape of Malawi. Join us as we explain the stories, challenges, and triumphs encountered in our...

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August 29, 2025

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 participating in the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress 2025, held from 9th to 13th June at the Messukeskus Expo & Convention Centre in Helsinki, Finland. This experience marked not only my first international academic engagement outside Africa but also a meaningful opportunity to present research being conducted in Malawi on a global stage.

Messukeskus Expo & Convention Centre in Helsinki, Finland

The Journey from Malawi to Finland

My travel commenced on 7th June from Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, Malawi. After a long intercontinental journey, I arrived in Helsinki on 8th June, greeted by what they said was cool summer air (but it felt like Malawi winter) and nearly 20 hours of daylight. This was a strange experience for someone coming from the southern hemisphere where a mention of the sun not setting is unheard of. Despite the fatigue, the excitement of participating in such a globally significant event energized me for the days ahead.

Presenting Research at ICN Congress 2025


The ICN Congress is recognized as a leading global forum for nursing professionals, researchers, and policymakers. With my nursing background, fitting in was effortless. The 2025 theme “Nursing Power to Change the World” created an ideal context for discussions on innovation, equity, and collaboration in nursing and public health. On 10th June, I delivered my oral presentation titled: “A Collaborative Approach for Co-Designing Solutions to Address the Impact of Adverse Childhood Events on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Methodological Paper.” This presentation was a key highlight of my participation. It focused on a co-creation approach for engaging adolescents and stakeholders in addressing the consequences of childhood adversities on their sexual and reproductive health. It was encouraging to share the session with other international researchers working on co-designing and community-led health interventions, sparking valuable conversations and potential collaborations.

Presenting at the ICN 2025 Conference

The research I presented is part of the Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Project being implemented in Malawi. This project is a collaborative effort among the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) – Malawi, the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) and the University of Strathclyde (United Kingdom). Together, these institutions are focusing on the psychological, sociocultural, socioeconomic, educational, political and geographical contexts influencing adolescent health and wellbeing, and exploring interventions and policies that can best support these in the future. This work is supported by funding from the UK government through the National Institute of Health and care Research/ Global Health Research Group (NIHR/GHRG), which also funded my travel and participation in the congress.

More information about the project is available on our website: https://adolescentwellbeingmalawi.org

Outside of the academic program, I took time to engage with the cultural landscape of Helsinki. The city’s blend of modern design, historical architecture, and maritime charm offered a welcome balance to the intensity of the conference. I visited the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, a neoclassical landmark located in Senate Square, and spent time at the National Museum of Finland, where I gained insights into the country’s social and political evolution. The Helsinki Market Hall offered a vibrant glimpse into local life, I did not sample the traditional Finnish delicacies though.

The Helsinki Cathedral

A particularly memorable experience was riding the SkyWheel Helsinki, which provided sweeping views of the city’s skyline and coastline. I also took a scenic boat cruise, allowing me to see Helsinki from a maritime perspective, an enriching way to reflect on both the journey and the knowledge gained.

Up in the SkyWheel

On a boat cruise enjoying the scenery

Reflections and Takeaways

Attending the ICN Congress 2025 was a transformative experience both professionally and personally. It provided a platform to share insights from Malawi, engage with international scholars, and gain exposure to emerging ideas and best practices in nursing and public health, adolescent health research. I returned home with strengthened networks, fresh ideas for my PhD work, and an energized mind than before. I am particularly grateful to the NIHR/GHRG, my supervisors and institutional partners for making this opportunity possible. This experience has affirmed my belief in the importance of inclusive, community-engaged research and the need to elevate voices from the Global South in international health discourse. I look forward to building on these insights as I continue my academic journey and contribute to improving adolescent health outcomes in Malawi and beyond.

A line up of presenters | Meeting for the first time in person, my old time contacts (Katie and Marcus from LSHTM/#PDTN) | Proud to represent Malawi

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