University of Cape Town

Elliott Matoga is an MPhil research fellow from Malawi funded by the African Mental Health Research Initiative (AMARI). He is currently studying for a Master of Philosophy in Public Mental Health with the University of Cape Town (UCT). Elliott holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine (Mental Health) degree obtained from Mzuzu University, St John of God College of Health Sciences (Malawi) and a Diploma in Clinical Medicine obtained at Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS).

Elliott joined Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS) in 2006 as a paediatric lecturer. During his time at MCHS he twice served as Head of Program for Diploma in Clinical Medicine in the faculty of Clinical Medicine. Prior to joining MCHS he worked as a clinical officer in the Ministry of Health and at ADMARC (a parastatal organization). While at ADMARC, Elliott also served as HIV/AIDS coordinator for ADMARC Adds Life Project which was the first workplace HIV/AIDS programme in Malawi. 

Elliott is currently working as a trainer as well as a mental health clinician. He is involved in Mental Health and Psychiatry training at MCHS and Centre for Continuing Education, the Polytechnic (University of Malawi).  Elliott is passionate about increasing access to mental health services through training of non-specialist healthcare workers. His main research interest is mental health training for primary healthcare workers. His current research is: “A mixed methods evaluation of the knowledge and attitudes of trainee clinical officers’ (COS) and the skills of qualified COS in identifying and managing common mental disorders in Malawi.”

Supervisors:

Dr. Zulfa Abrahams, University of Cape Town

A/Professor Marguerite Schneider, University of Cape Town