Zambia Champions Community-Based Mental Health at UNGA Side Event
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and sustainable health systems, with a focus on community-based mental health care, during a high-level side event at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The side event, titled “Taking Mental Health Beyond Institutions into the Community: Lessons from Uganda’s Multisectoral Success”, was co-hosted by Uganda and brought together global policymakers, technical experts, and development partners.
Hon. Elijah Muchima, Minister of Health, highlighted Zambia’s strides in integrating mental health services into primary healthcare and community structures, making care more accessible and responsive to local needs.
“Through deliberate government and stakeholder efforts, we have significantly enhanced mental health provision via established channels for screening, assessment and management of conditions,” Hon. Muchima said. He also emphasised the importance of building capacity among health workers to deliver mental health services at community level.
Accompanied by Ms Mainga Kabika, Permanent Secretary of the Gender Division in the Office of the President, and other officials, the Minister highlighted Zambia’s dedication to fostering partnerships that promote awareness, improve service delivery, and advance the mental well-being of all citizens.
The side event provided a platform for peer-to-peer learning, donor engagement, and technical exchange. It encouraged member states and partners to adopt multisectoral, rights-based approaches and invest in culturally sensitive models that empower communities and strengthen population health.
Zambia’s participation underscores its leadership in advancing community-centred mental health initiatives and its commitment to building resilient, inclusive health systems across the country.
This was in a statement issued by Namatama Njekwa, First Secretary for Press and Public Relations, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations.
