Various Organisations and programs making efforts to engage young people on mental health issues.
A number of community and international organisations have been coming together with the youth to fight for the recognition of mental health in the country.
In August this year UNICEF engaged with young people on developmental issues. One of the most prevalent topics of discussion was mental health and depression among the youth in Zimbabwe and how this had brought about the problem of drug abuse among the youth. Young people from various backgrounds interfaced with the UNICEF representative, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale who had joined the Zimbabwean office in June.
Dr. Oyewale also took note of the recurring call for community engagement emphasizing on platforms that support youth’s awareness campaigns of mental health, which he said was of paramount importance going into the new Country Programme.
Earlier this year a community based organisation called the Summit Care Trust (SCT) lined up a number of events aimed towards bringing the country’s key stakeholders such as the Government, community and media, to strengthen the fight against mental health.
“Our research has shown that there is a yawning treatment gap for mental health in Zimbabwe and Africa”, said Ms. Tanatswa Chikaura, a mental health advocate for the SCT
Zimbabwe is also set to join the 6th Region Psychological Support Forum that is being held in Maputo, Mozambique from the 13th to the 15th of October this year. This program is set to emphasize on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the psychological well being of individuals.
The country’s National strategic plan for mental health services includes establishing alcohol and substance rehabilitation units of each provincial hospital and at tertiary units as well as strengthen community mental health services.
