It was a defining moment. The suffering he witnessed—and the lack of medical care—moved him to pursue medicine. He returned home, added pre-med coursework to his engineering degree, and never looked back.

On July 25, 2025, the hospital hosted a grand opening celebration, attended by First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, Monica Chakwera, who praised the center’s significance. “What has been unveiled is not just a structure of concrete and steel but a sanctuary of healing, a pillar of promise, and a message to every child in Malawi that we see you, you are valued, and you will be cared for,” she said.

As CURE Malawi’s newly launched cleft service grows, it will provide more children like Shabani with a new smile and the comprehensive care they need to fully recover.

Dr. Dorothy Bbaale is somewhat of a trailblazer.