Alumnus does Zambia proud

If anyone knows how to turn pain into gain, it is Dr Ernest Mutale. A recipient of an Australia Awards Scholarship, Dr Mutale battled with homesickness in his first few weeks in Australia without his network of family and friends.

Alone and struggling to adjust to life in a new country, Dr Mutale resolved to make the best of the situation by channelling all his energy into his Masters of Public Health at Griffith University. This coping mechanism worked well in Dr Mutale’s favour as he earned four high distinctions, six distinctions and two credits, culminating in a GPA of 6.17 out of a possible 7.0

Graduating with a distinction, Dr Mutale also received two Certificates of Recognition for Academic Excellence in his first year of study and is the proud recipient of the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence.

After his two-year stint in Australia, punctuated by four short trips home, Dr Mutale returned to Zambia for good at the end of his degree in 2011. Currently employed by the Zambian Ministry of Health as a Medical Officer, Dr Mutale is responsible for the Chilubi District, where he oversees all the district health activities, including the administration and clinical practices. Dr Mutale is primarily responsible for maternal and child health activities, particularly in the areas of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and child immunisations.