Interdisciplinary research group targets maternal health and environmental resilience
Gweru, 25 September 2025 – Midlands State University (MSU) launched a powerful new research alliance, uniting diverse experts to tackle the interconnected challenges of climate change, environmental sustainability, and human health.
The Climate, Environment, and Health Research Group breaks down traditional academic silos.
It brings together the University’s Faculty of Built Environment, Art and Design and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, in a strategic partnership with the Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHAAR) Zimbabwe and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Speaking on behalf of the MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Industrialisation, the Acting Executive Director, Research and Innovation Division, Professor G. Mehlana opened the launch.
He emphasised the critical need for a multidisciplinary approach to drive meaningful change, particularly in improving healthcare access for vulnerable groups.
“Our commitment is to research that delivers tangible impact,” stated Professor Mehlana, “enhancing lives across our communities.”
The group’s mission has a sharp, immediate focus: the profound link between environmental factors and maternal health.
Professor A. B. Thomas, Co-Director of Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive and Child Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, presented compelling data on Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality rates.
He detailed how climate and environmental stressors exacerbate risks for pregnant women.
“We must confront these challenges head-on,” Professor Thomas said. “The solution requires a multifaceted strategy—from resilient infrastructure to ensuring reliable access to maternal services.”
This call to action was met with strong commitment from within MSU.
Dr. R. Matchaba-Hove, Executive Dean – Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, voiced his strong support.
“This partnership is vital. We must act for the women of Sub-Saharan Africa,” he remarked. “They are our sisters, our daughters, our mothers.”
The collaboration’s practical foundation was strengthened by a significant investment: the ceremonial handover of advanced server hardware from CeSHAAR to MSU.
This technology will supercharge the University’s computational research capabilities, providing the tools needed for data-driven solutions.
The launch culminated in a tour of Gweru Provincial Hospital, directly connecting the group’s ambitious goals to the realities on the ground.
Combining expertise in urban planning, public health, clinical medicine, and environmental science, this new consortium is uniquely positioned to develop resilient, practical solutions.
The initiative marks a decisive step towards safeguarding maternal health and building community resilience in a changing climate.