MENTAL HEALTH SILENT KILLER – HEALTH PS

By Kalobwe Bwalya

MENTAL health in Zambia is a big challenge that needs everyone to take a role by carrying out sensitization messages especially among the youths, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Lishimpi has said.

Dr. Lishimpi in an interview said mental health challenges in Zambia had been a significant concern by the Government as well as the general populace.

He pointed out the recent spate of suicide cases in the country which he said could be attributed to mental health.

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated such issues, with factors such as bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear worsening mental health conditions.

He emphasized that mental health was one of the greatest challenges facing Zambia today, adding that the pandemic’s social and economic impacts had led to an increase in substance and alcohol abuse cases across the country.

He added that there had been a growing number of suicide and self-harm cases reported in the country at an alarming rate.

He pointed out that there was a need for mental health screening at the clinics as part of the primary care service, recognizing the worrisome prevalence of suicide and suicidal attempts.

He said the Government was taking steps to address these mental health challenges by considering suicide attempts as a medical and psychiatric emergency.

He called on the general public to consider hosting public sensitization campaigns which would help some people facing challenges such as depression, alcohol abuse and drug substance among many others.

“The situation is indeed alarming, with 89 people reportedly dying by suicide in 2021 with the majority being males. Therefore, we call upon every stakeholder to take a lead in sensitizing the masses on mental health illness,” Dr. Lishimpi said.

He added that there was a need to highlight comprehensive mental support and intervention to help those in crisis and prevent such tragedies in the country.

He explained that people lacked knowledge over mental health as a result some fear to go to the health centre to seek mental attention.

He advised that everyone should take up a role in helping the youths including the adults who have resorted to abuse of alcohol and drug abuse.

“It is a big challenge that Zambia is still facing challenges of mental health especially with young and adults who always face discrimination and humiliation by the general public including members of their families and the Government is working tirelessly to ensure that this is brought to zero in our communities, “he said.