Mayor Urges End to Silence on Mental Health
Lusaka Mayor Ms Chilando Chitangala has urged members of the public to speak openly about mental health challenges to help break stigma and ensure access to proper care and support.
Ms Chitangala noted that both Lusaka and Zambia as a whole continue to record rising cases of mental health problems, emphasising the need for communities and leaders to encourage those affected to seek help.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Healing Apostolate (Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi) at her office, the Mayor called for collective action to support victims, particularly women and children, who are among the most affected by mental health challenges.
She reaffirmed her office’s commitment to partnering with the Healing Apostolate and other organisations across the country to strengthen access to mental health services.
The Mayor commended the Apostolate for providing a safe space for vulnerable groups, including survivors of abuse, victims of gender-based violence, and individuals living with mental illness, to express their concerns and receive care.
Ms Chitangala also revealed that the Lusaka City Council is collaborating with Bloomberg Philanthropies to promote Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs), locally known as Olofare, aimed at addressing issues such as gender-based violence and mental health.
She explained that these centres will play a crucial role in instilling positive values and awareness of harmful behaviours from an early age.
Meanwhile, Sr Bupe Chileshe, Coordinator of the Healing Apostolate, expressed the organisation’s desire to form a strong partnership with the Mayor’s office to tackle the growing mental health crisis, which she said disproportionately affects young people.
Sr Bupe added that collaboration among the council, the Apostolate and other stakeholders would improve outreach to individuals facing challenges such as child labour, abuse, and mental illness, and enhance the provision of counselling services.
