iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Have you checked out the News section yet? Take a look to stay updated on our activities! 👇 surgwater.ie/resources/ne... @researchireland.ie @rcsi.bsky.social @rcsipophealth.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

When countries with huge differences in income levels collaborate on a project, there is always an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed. Can these partnerships really be equal? We explore this in our new episode of Be Water: rb.gy/qo6pip @researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social

rb.gy

Episode 8: A joint adventure

We'll discuss how bringing together different knowledge, experiences and perspectives can help build strong relationships and make international projects work.

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Here's another paper on SURG-Water! This one explains how the project was designed with its future users in mind. The team worked alongside health facility staff and community members to shape both the technology and the way it would be introduced. More here: surl.li/ijkgwa @researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Don't you think there's something special about appearing on a calendar? Well, what can I say? SURG-Water is on the August page in Malawi! 😀 @researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

The @irishtimes.com has interviewed one of our Principal Investigators, Dr Jakub Gajewski, who talked about various aspects of the project, our aims and the reasons behind them. You can read the full article here: shorturl.at/EZ6Iw @researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

shorturl.at

Engineering and Afrobeats harmonise to boost rainwater harvesting

Jakub Gajewski is a lecturer at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

We are launching an awareness campaign called 'Catch the Rain' to start a conversation about the importance of rainwater harvesting in Malawi. To achieve this, we have had the help of the amapiano artist Zeze Kingston to engage young students. Here is the result. Enjoy "Madzi"! @researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

The African Union has declared 2026 as the year of assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems. This elevates the importance of water and sanitation to a political priority in Africa. It's encouraging that our work at #SURGWater is aligned with the continent's priorities.

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Today in #MeetTheTeam, I would like to introduce you to our Austrian secret weapon: a business whisperer, creative innovator, and tireless seeker of the best way to implement SODIS. His name: Martin Wesian. @researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

We are in the final year of the #SURG-Water project, and there are still a few members of staff to introduce, so I'd better get started with the next one: Emmanuel Mathias Ngozo. He's the man who never loses his smile — a great superpower to have these days! @researchireland.ie @rcsi.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

It's exciting to see the construction of the calabash tanks at the Chimaliro Health Centre in Malawi. They will soon hold thousands of litres of water for use in the facility's maternal ward We keep #localising our water system and make it more sustainable 💪🏾🔥 @researchireland.ie @rcsi.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

We're back with #MeetTheTeam, and today it's the turn of our hygiene expert, Shadrick Masulani. He's good with research and numbers and a great asset to the team. And on top of all of this, he is also very photogenic! 😎 @researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social @jointsdgfund.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

As part of ongoing efforts to improve our SODIS water system, we have installed reusable water filters at both Thekerani and Chimvu. Now, neither algae nor sediment can pass through the filter. What's more, they are locally available! #localising @researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Last week, our colleague Prof. Christabel Kambala presented and represented the project at the IWA in front of the international community. She took to Bangkok the topic of solar disinfection of harvested rainwater to improve access to safe water in rural health centres! 🥳👏👏 @researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Check this video to know more about our project!!

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

#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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

"#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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

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

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Meet the next star of our #MeetTheTeam series! As the youngest member of the team, Linda Mwale brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to our work. Her positive energy and versatility make her a great asset to the team. @researchireland.ie @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

On #WorldEnvironmentDay we celebrate the work of many organisations to create sustainable solutions that help communities mitigate the impact of climate change. It's a collective effort towards a global solution @unep.org @researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

In Malawi, rainwater harvesting ensures that communities have access to water when they need it most. By making use of rainfall families can store clean water for drinking, cooking and hygiene purposes, reducing their dependence on unreliable sources and making daily life easier @researchireland.ie

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Another introduction in #MeetTheTeam! Today, it's the turn of @kgmcguigan.bsky.social: a good-humoured co-PI, Jedi #SODI master (he looks after the solar disinfection aspect of the project), winner of a @UNESCO award and always up for a good craic. @researchireland.ie @rcsi.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

Here's an example of how the media in Malawi has covered our project on national TV. It's great to be in the news! @researchireland.ie @rcsipophealth.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

We visited the two new sites in Thyolo where our reactors will be installed. Staff are eager to have access to water in their facilities to provide water to patients in the maternity ward. Lack of water is still a challenge for many rural health centres in #Malawi. @researchireland.bsky.social

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SURG-Water @surg-water.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

We continue introducing the people who make the work possible. Today's #MeetTheTeam is about Andrew J. Chisele He does an amazing job testing the water quality in the health centres we work with He's also an expert at driving on muddy roads @researchireland.bsky.social @rcsiglobalsurgery.bsky.social

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