The degree conferment ceremony for the Graduate School of Health Sciences was held on September 16, 2022. This was also the first time that the Graduate School of Health Sciences sent off a graduate since it joined the JICA Development Studies Program. Mr. John Thumbiko Kaunda, a master’s degree student from Malawi, wrote his master’s thesis entitled “Association between perceived threat to COVID-19 infection and ART adherence amongst people living with HIV at Mzuzu Central Hospital Northern Malawi”. From September 18 to 24, he went in the Philippines for a culminating training and presentation at an international conference. From October, he will participate in a 6-month internship at a company in Kyoto, Japan. We would like to thank once again JICA Okinawa and the Academic Affairs Division at the Uehara Campus of the University of the Ryukyus for their support.　The following is a message from him.

“Studying at this university has been a tremendous experience. On my first day, I remember feeling nervous and worried, but in all honesty, the department members helped me become much more confident. Thanks to their assistance, I was able to settle into my new life; for that, I would like to express my gratitude. Despite the highs and lows, I went through, I still believe they were essential to my growth as a person and my capacity for independence. I would also like to thank my supervisors for putting in extra effort for us to work hard in a friendly and approachable manner. I felt compelled and motivated during my coursework; hence, I managed to graduate on time. I would also like to thank my fellow students for their support. I will miss the times we spent together in room 504. I enjoyed the laughs and conversations we had and will always cherish those moments. Everything has its own time. My time to say goodbye has come and I wish you all the best in your life and studies. Remain optimistic and joyful. Thank you very much”

（by J Kobayashi）