MDFHS LAUNCHES INAUGURAL SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS LEADERSHIP STUDY WEEK
The Malawi Defence Force Health Services (MDFHS) launched its first-ever Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) study week symposium at Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe on Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
The study week aims at equipping SNCOs with leadership skills to help them effectively execute their duties in the military medical corps.
In his opening remarks, MDFHS Commandant, Colonel (Dr) Geoffrey Joseph Ndekha, said the symposium marks a structural shift in discipline among the SNCOs within the MDFHS. He emphasized that it is not only medical skills that are vital in the defense force but also discipline and leadership. "Military ethical standards can never be overemphasized, and we need to be reminded that discipline and military professionalism must be adhered to," said Col (Dr) Ndekha.
The MDFHS Commandant reminded participants that operational standards must remain foremost in their minds, as much is expected of them as SNCOs. He urged them to treat the study week as a window of opportunity, recognising their value as a resource and using it to explore new avenues within their departments.
On his part, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Makuru, Head of Training at MDFHS, observed that this marks the institution’s inaugural leadership symposium. He affirmed that it shall set the guiding tone for all the participating SNCOs, and for the generations of leaders who will follow within the MDFHS.
"The SNCOs are the backbone of MDF leadership due to their vast experience. In line with the MDF training calendar, we felt it was important to use this time to remind them, as professionals, why military leadership is just as vital as their medical skills," said Lt Col Makuru.
He further added that military basics such as problem-solving, marriage procedures, and barracks routines must always be remembered, especially for SNCOs who handle health matters and the psychological well-being of soldiers as they lead them.
One of the participants, Warrant Officer Class Two Precious Sonani, praised the MDFHS leadership for its strong commitment to enhancing leadership skills. She expressed her eagerness to gain valuable knowledge during the week’s study.
There are 28 participants, five of whom are female SNCOs from Kamuzu Barracks Camp Hospital. The symposium has been made possible through the financial support of Maziko Car Hire and General Dealers.
By Cpl Norris Nzima
