Mental Health needs more than talk – Kindness Zambia founder Kalaluka Mushaukwa

“Together we can reach out to more people and create a Zambia where mental health is given the attention that it deserves,”

By Kumwesu Staff Writer

Kindness Zambia founder Kalaluka Mushaukwa has called for stronger national action on mental health, saying Zambia needs greater collaboration to ensure people facing mental-health challenges receive the support they need.

Mushaukwa was speaking in Lusaka at Mulungushi International Conference Centre during the launch of Suicide Is Not a Solution, a book by author Duncan Nkhoma.

She said Kindness Zambia has been using its platforms to promote mental-health awareness and encourage people to speak, listen and support one another, while helping break the stigma surrounding mental-health challenges.

Mushaukwa also highlighted Miss Mental Health Zambia, one of Kindness Zambia’s programmes, which uses beauty and pageantry to encourage women to use their voices and public platforms to advocate for mental health.

She said the programme demonstrates how different platforms can be transformed into tools for creating awareness and encouraging conversations that can potentially save lives.

Mushaukwa acknowledged the efforts of individuals and organisations already working to promote mental health in Zambia, but said more still needs to be done.

She has consequently called for increased support from the Government, Ministry of Health, organisations and the private sector to strengthen mental-health interventions and reach more people.

“Together we can reach out to more people and create a Zambia where mental health is given the attention that it deserves,” Mushaukwa said.