SURG-Water
@surg-water.bsky.social
SURG-Water is a research project, supported by Research Ireland, working to provide safer water for rural health facilities in Malawi.
Today, the team visited the Kanyezi Health Centre in Dedza to check the area where the new water system with a 100% Malawian-made calabash tank will be installed #localising
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @jointsdgfund.bsky.social
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @jointsdgfund.bsky.social
December 5, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Today, the team visited the Kanyezi Health Centre in Dedza to check the area where the new water system with a 100% Malawian-made calabash tank will be installed #localising
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @jointsdgfund.bsky.social
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @jointsdgfund.bsky.social
Learn more about our project!
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @unep.org
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @unep.org
December 3, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Learn more about our project!
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @unep.org
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @unep.org
We are preparing for the construction of the first reactor to be built in #Malawi. The Irish team will travel to the health centre where the reactor will be installed. This is a significant step forward in #localising our SODIS system.
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
December 1, 2025 at 1:36 PM
We are preparing for the construction of the first reactor to be built in #Malawi. The Irish team will travel to the health centre where the reactor will be installed. This is a significant step forward in #localising our SODIS system.
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
In case you missed it, @abigailruthfreeman.bsky.social talked about our project at @siliconrepublic.bsky.social
You can read the piece here:
www.siliconrepublic.com/innovation/r...
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
You can read the piece here:
www.siliconrepublic.com/innovation/r...
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
November 28, 2025 at 6:17 PM
In case you missed it, @abigailruthfreeman.bsky.social talked about our project at @siliconrepublic.bsky.social
You can read the piece here:
www.siliconrepublic.com/innovation/r...
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
You can read the piece here:
www.siliconrepublic.com/innovation/r...
@researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
Our colleague Emmanuel Ngozo presented our national telephone survey on water needs in healthcare facilities at the 1st National Public Health Research Dissemination Conference in #Malawi. Findings reveal a lack of water in delivery rooms in some primary healthcare facilities.
@researchireland.ie
@researchireland.ie
October 31, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Our colleague Emmanuel Ngozo presented our national telephone survey on water needs in healthcare facilities at the 1st National Public Health Research Dissemination Conference in #Malawi. Findings reveal a lack of water in delivery rooms in some primary healthcare facilities.
@researchireland.ie
@researchireland.ie
With Halloween just around the corner, do you know what a #calabash is? And, are you aware that it is the name given to a low-cost, locally constructed rainwater harvesting tank used for storing water in places such as Malawi?
More details to follow soon!
@researchireland.ie @rcsi.bsky.social
More details to follow soon!
@researchireland.ie @rcsi.bsky.social
October 22, 2025 at 8:35 AM
With Halloween just around the corner, do you know what a #calabash is? And, are you aware that it is the name given to a low-cost, locally constructed rainwater harvesting tank used for storing water in places such as Malawi?
More details to follow soon!
@researchireland.ie @rcsi.bsky.social
More details to follow soon!
@researchireland.ie @rcsi.bsky.social
A sustainable solution continues to work long after the initial project has been completed. It's something that local communities can maintain using their own resources without harming the environment or requiring constant external help.
We're committed to finding that solution.
@researchireland.ie
We're committed to finding that solution.
@researchireland.ie
September 22, 2025 at 12:10 PM
A sustainable solution continues to work long after the initial project has been completed. It's something that local communities can maintain using their own resources without harming the environment or requiring constant external help.
We're committed to finding that solution.
@researchireland.ie
We're committed to finding that solution.
@researchireland.ie
Our solar-disinfected rainwater system provides maternity wards in rural health facilities with safe water where there was none before.
We're achieving this while developing local manufacturing skills, which will have a lasting impact that goes beyond providing access to water.
@researchireland.ie
We're achieving this while developing local manufacturing skills, which will have a lasting impact that goes beyond providing access to water.
@researchireland.ie
September 15, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Our solar-disinfected rainwater system provides maternity wards in rural health facilities with safe water where there was none before.
We're achieving this while developing local manufacturing skills, which will have a lasting impact that goes beyond providing access to water.
@researchireland.ie
We're achieving this while developing local manufacturing skills, which will have a lasting impact that goes beyond providing access to water.
@researchireland.ie
In Malawi, some health centres don’t harvest rain despite the abundance in some parts of the year —storage tanks are lacking and rainwater is seen as unsuitable for cleaning.
Raising awareness of the importance of rainwater harvesting is therefore a key part of our mission.
@researchireland.ie
Raising awareness of the importance of rainwater harvesting is therefore a key part of our mission.
@researchireland.ie
September 12, 2025 at 10:07 AM
In Malawi, some health centres don’t harvest rain despite the abundance in some parts of the year —storage tanks are lacking and rainwater is seen as unsuitable for cleaning.
Raising awareness of the importance of rainwater harvesting is therefore a key part of our mission.
@researchireland.ie
Raising awareness of the importance of rainwater harvesting is therefore a key part of our mission.
@researchireland.ie
We are pleased to introduce another colleague through the #MeetTheTeam series. Today, we welcome Desire Mussa.
He's probably still celebrating the completion of his Master's degree at MUBAS (Malawi), so I'm not sure if he'll read this post 👏🏾🥳
Congratulations, Desire!
@researchireland.ie
He's probably still celebrating the completion of his Master's degree at MUBAS (Malawi), so I'm not sure if he'll read this post 👏🏾🥳
Congratulations, Desire!
@researchireland.ie
September 8, 2025 at 11:34 AM
We are pleased to introduce another colleague through the #MeetTheTeam series. Today, we welcome Desire Mussa.
He's probably still celebrating the completion of his Master's degree at MUBAS (Malawi), so I'm not sure if he'll read this post 👏🏾🥳
Congratulations, Desire!
@researchireland.ie
He's probably still celebrating the completion of his Master's degree at MUBAS (Malawi), so I'm not sure if he'll read this post 👏🏾🥳
Congratulations, Desire!
@researchireland.ie
We want to share the happiness of our colleague @D_C_Mussawho, who has recently obtained his MSc in Sustainable Energy.
Based on his work in #SURG_Water he assessed the effectiveness of #SODIS systems in #Malawi under the lowest solar UV intensity.
Congratulations, Desire! 👏🎉💃
@researchireland.ie
Based on his work in #SURG_Water he assessed the effectiveness of #SODIS systems in #Malawi under the lowest solar UV intensity.
Congratulations, Desire! 👏🎉💃
@researchireland.ie
September 1, 2025 at 1:56 PM
We want to share the happiness of our colleague @D_C_Mussawho, who has recently obtained his MSc in Sustainable Energy.
Based on his work in #SURG_Water he assessed the effectiveness of #SODIS systems in #Malawi under the lowest solar UV intensity.
Congratulations, Desire! 👏🎉💃
@researchireland.ie
Based on his work in #SURG_Water he assessed the effectiveness of #SODIS systems in #Malawi under the lowest solar UV intensity.
Congratulations, Desire! 👏🎉💃
@researchireland.ie
#WorldWaterWeek2025 is under the theme "Water for Climate Action"
Our project helps health facilities in Malawi adapt to droughts and unreliable rainfall by harvesting rainwater and utilising solar energy to transform these natural resources into a clean, accessible water supply
@researchireland.ie
Our project helps health facilities in Malawi adapt to droughts and unreliable rainfall by harvesting rainwater and utilising solar energy to transform these natural resources into a clean, accessible water supply
@researchireland.ie
August 27, 2025 at 12:47 PM
#WorldWaterWeek2025 is under the theme "Water for Climate Action"
Our project helps health facilities in Malawi adapt to droughts and unreliable rainfall by harvesting rainwater and utilising solar energy to transform these natural resources into a clean, accessible water supply
@researchireland.ie
Our project helps health facilities in Malawi adapt to droughts and unreliable rainfall by harvesting rainwater and utilising solar energy to transform these natural resources into a clean, accessible water supply
@researchireland.ie
Millions of women give birth in clinics without access to clean water, which can lead to deadly infections. #SURG_Water focuses on maternal wards because life begins there, and what better way to start life than to be washed with clean water after entering this world?
@researchireland.ie
@researchireland.ie
August 20, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Millions of women give birth in clinics without access to clean water, which can lead to deadly infections. #SURG_Water focuses on maternal wards because life begins there, and what better way to start life than to be washed with clean water after entering this world?
@researchireland.ie
@researchireland.ie
We're #localising, which means we're aiming to develop our water system right here in Malawi, using local skills and materials. We are looking at ways to adapt the technology so that it can be manufactured and repaired in Malawi or neighbouring African countries as required.
@researchireland.ie
@researchireland.ie
August 18, 2025 at 11:28 AM
We're #localising, which means we're aiming to develop our water system right here in Malawi, using local skills and materials. We are looking at ways to adapt the technology so that it can be manufactured and repaired in Malawi or neighbouring African countries as required.
@researchireland.ie
@researchireland.ie
Thanks to the money donated by the family and friends of Dr Dirk Grabosch (Castro-Rauxel, 🇩🇪) on his birthday, 2 new tanks have been installed at the health centres in Thekerani and Chimaliro.
A generous gesture that will boost these communities' water storage capacity.
@researchireland.ie
A generous gesture that will boost these communities' water storage capacity.
@researchireland.ie
August 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Thanks to the money donated by the family and friends of Dr Dirk Grabosch (Castro-Rauxel, 🇩🇪) on his birthday, 2 new tanks have been installed at the health centres in Thekerani and Chimaliro.
A generous gesture that will boost these communities' water storage capacity.
@researchireland.ie
A generous gesture that will boost these communities' water storage capacity.
@researchireland.ie
Design thinking is a creative, practical way to solve problems by focusing on what real people need.
At #SURG_Water, we apply #designthinking to deeply engage with communities, listening to their needs, testing ideas collaboratively and refining solutions together.
@researchireland.ie
At #SURG_Water, we apply #designthinking to deeply engage with communities, listening to their needs, testing ideas collaboratively and refining solutions together.
@researchireland.ie
August 11, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Design thinking is a creative, practical way to solve problems by focusing on what real people need.
At #SURG_Water, we apply #designthinking to deeply engage with communities, listening to their needs, testing ideas collaboratively and refining solutions together.
@researchireland.ie
At #SURG_Water, we apply #designthinking to deeply engage with communities, listening to their needs, testing ideas collaboratively and refining solutions together.
@researchireland.ie
We are #localising our technology so that it can be produced and operated locally.
Why is this important?
This will reduce construction and maintenance costs, increase the potential for wider use in #Malawi and ensure the #sustainability of the technology beyond the project.
@researchireland.ie
Why is this important?
This will reduce construction and maintenance costs, increase the potential for wider use in #Malawi and ensure the #sustainability of the technology beyond the project.
@researchireland.ie
July 23, 2025 at 9:14 AM
We are #localising our technology so that it can be produced and operated locally.
Why is this important?
This will reduce construction and maintenance costs, increase the potential for wider use in #Malawi and ensure the #sustainability of the technology beyond the project.
@researchireland.ie
Why is this important?
This will reduce construction and maintenance costs, increase the potential for wider use in #Malawi and ensure the #sustainability of the technology beyond the project.
@researchireland.ie
At SURG-Water, we’ve redesigned our reactor to be simpler, easier to clean, and more cost-effective — and it’s performing impressively in tests. Innovation driving sustainability.
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @rcsipophealth.bsky.social
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @rcsipophealth.bsky.social
July 11, 2025 at 9:43 AM
At SURG-Water, we’ve redesigned our reactor to be simpler, easier to clean, and more cost-effective — and it’s performing impressively in tests. Innovation driving sustainability.
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @rcsipophealth.bsky.social
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @rcsipophealth.bsky.social
We're working on a new design for our reactor!
And we've travelled all the way to the Solar Platform in Almeria, Spain, to take a look.
A full video will follow soon, but in the meantime, take a look at the team here.
Exciting things to come!
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
And we've travelled all the way to the Solar Platform in Almeria, Spain, to take a look.
A full video will follow soon, but in the meantime, take a look at the team here.
Exciting things to come!
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
July 9, 2025 at 8:09 AM
We're working on a new design for our reactor!
And we've travelled all the way to the Solar Platform in Almeria, Spain, to take a look.
A full video will follow soon, but in the meantime, take a look at the team here.
Exciting things to come!
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
And we've travelled all the way to the Solar Platform in Almeria, Spain, to take a look.
A full video will follow soon, but in the meantime, take a look at the team here.
Exciting things to come!
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
We're continuing the important task of introducing our colleagues through the #MeetTheTeam series. Today, it is Zsofia Torok's turn. Zsofia is the latest addition to the RCSI team and is already proving to be a valuable asset, helping to take our research to a new level.
@researchireland.ie
@researchireland.ie
July 4, 2025 at 9:02 AM
We're continuing the important task of introducing our colleagues through the #MeetTheTeam series. Today, it is Zsofia Torok's turn. Zsofia is the latest addition to the RCSI team and is already proving to be a valuable asset, helping to take our research to a new level.
@researchireland.ie
@researchireland.ie
Our colleague Desire C. Mussa has recently talked at #TEDxBwaila, “addressing societal issues through sustainable energy.”
Desire used his personal story to show how some of the challenges faced in #Malawi might be solved using sustainable energy 💙🧡
#TEDxtalks #TingatheWecan
@researchireland.ie
Desire used his personal story to show how some of the challenges faced in #Malawi might be solved using sustainable energy 💙🧡
#TEDxtalks #TingatheWecan
@researchireland.ie
July 2, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Our colleague Desire C. Mussa has recently talked at #TEDxBwaila, “addressing societal issues through sustainable energy.”
Desire used his personal story to show how some of the challenges faced in #Malawi might be solved using sustainable energy 💙🧡
#TEDxtalks #TingatheWecan
@researchireland.ie
Desire used his personal story to show how some of the challenges faced in #Malawi might be solved using sustainable energy 💙🧡
#TEDxtalks #TingatheWecan
@researchireland.ie
Dr Chiara Pittalis spoke last evening at @atu-ie.bsky.social about SURG-Water and the environmental and social epidemiological impacts of water insecurity. She emphasised that, from addressing health disparities to enhancing climate resilience, water access is foundational 👏🌧️
@researchireland.ie
@researchireland.ie
June 26, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Dr Chiara Pittalis spoke last evening at @atu-ie.bsky.social about SURG-Water and the environmental and social epidemiological impacts of water insecurity. She emphasised that, from addressing health disparities to enhancing climate resilience, water access is foundational 👏🌧️
@researchireland.ie
@researchireland.ie
By treating harvested rainwater with #SODIS, maternal wards can maintain safe, hygienic conditions, ensuring better outcomes for mothers and their babies. It is a simple, scalable solution for rural healthcare.
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
June 23, 2025 at 11:10 AM
By treating harvested rainwater with #SODIS, maternal wards can maintain safe, hygienic conditions, ensuring better outcomes for mothers and their babies. It is a simple, scalable solution for rural healthcare.
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
@researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social
"#Photovoice is a powerful way to bring out community voices, especially for rural women who rarely get the chance to share their needs and experiences." (Dr Chiara Pittalis)
Want to hear more about the communities we work with?
www.frontiersin.org/journals/glo...
@ria.ie @researchireland.ie
Want to hear more about the communities we work with?
www.frontiersin.org/journals/glo...
@ria.ie @researchireland.ie
June 18, 2025 at 10:16 AM
"#Photovoice is a powerful way to bring out community voices, especially for rural women who rarely get the chance to share their needs and experiences." (Dr Chiara Pittalis)
Want to hear more about the communities we work with?
www.frontiersin.org/journals/glo...
@ria.ie @researchireland.ie
Want to hear more about the communities we work with?
www.frontiersin.org/journals/glo...
@ria.ie @researchireland.ie
Our team in #Malawi is presenting @surg_water today at the event hosted by @mubasmw to celebrate the 20th anniversary of @washtedmubas (Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Technology Development).
It's always great to discuss harvesting rainwater and #SODIS 🌧️🌞
@researchireland.ie
It's always great to discuss harvesting rainwater and #SODIS 🌧️🌞
@researchireland.ie
June 13, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Our team in #Malawi is presenting @surg_water today at the event hosted by @mubasmw to celebrate the 20th anniversary of @washtedmubas (Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Technology Development).
It's always great to discuss harvesting rainwater and #SODIS 🌧️🌞
@researchireland.ie
It's always great to discuss harvesting rainwater and #SODIS 🌧️🌞
@researchireland.ie