Q&A with Magdalena Mwalimo, Executive Director, Gradian Institute

What drew you to this role as Executive Director of Gradian Institute?

I joined Gradian’s training department in August 2021, and it’s been a journey of growth and creativity ever since. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how training transforms the way healthcare workers use medical equipment, and how much more we can do when we approach it strategically. The opportunity to lead the Institute felt like a natural next step: a chance to bring everything we’ve learned together under one roof and scale it.

How would you describe Gradian Institute to someone encountering it for the first time?

Gradian Institute is where training, research, and innovation come together to make sure medical equipment doesn’t just arrive in a facility, but gets used well, every day, to save lives. We work with healthcare teams in low- and middle-income countries to build lasting skills in areas like anaesthesia, oxygen therapy, safe surgery, and critical care. And while that’s our primary focus, the training models and digital tools we’re building have real potential to serve markets beyond LMICs — the fundamentals of capacity building are universal.

Why is now the right time for this?

COVID was a turning point. It showed us it was possible to support our users both onsite and online, and we’ve been building on that ever since. We’ve developed hybrid training systems including Training of Trainers programs, simulation lab training, onsite sessions with real case practicals, webinars, and online follow-up. We’ve also dramatically improved our customer outreach, connecting with users earlier and understanding their gaps better. The infrastructure and the expertise are ready, and now it’s time to formalise it.

Of the three pillars, which feels most urgent to you and why?

Training and capacity building will always be at the heart of what we do, but I see digital innovation, especially AI, as the key to unlocking scale. One of our biggest challenges is funding for training, particularly in settings where staff turnover is high and training has to be repeated. AI technology can help us bridge that gap, reaching more users more efficiently without compromising quality.

What does success look like for Gradian Institute in its first year?

Success means full utilisation of medical equipment, improved patient care, and ultimately, lives saved. In practical terms, that means stronger training structures, deeper connections with the healthcare workers we serve, and continued progress in identifying and addressing gaps in oxygen therapy, safe surgery, critical care, and beyond.