Lusaka Mayor, Ms. Chilando Chitangala, has urged members of the public to speak openly about mental health challenges in order to access appropriate support.
She noted that both Lusaka and Zambia at large continue to experience a rise in mental health cases, underscoring the importance of encouraging people to seek help for any issues affecting their wellbeing.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Healing Apostolate of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi to her office this morning, the Mayor called on leaders and communities not to overlook mental health concerns, emphasising the need to offer support, particularly to women and children, who are among the most affected.
She reaffirmed her office’s commitment to collaborating with the Healing Apostolate and other organisations nationwide to assist individuals in need of mental health services.
The Mayor commended the Apostolate for providing a safe space where vulnerable individuals, including mental health patients, survivors of abuse, victims of gender-based violence and marginalised community members can express their concerns and receive support.
Ms. Chitangala revealed that the Lusaka City Council is currently working with Bloomberg Philanthropies to promote Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs), commonly known as Olofare, to address issues such as gender-based violence and mental health, helping children grow with a strong foundation in rejecting harmful behaviours.
She explained that ECDCs will play a vital role in instilling awareness of these dangers at an early age, which is the most formative stage for children to learn and internalise positive values.
Meanwhile, Apostolate Coordinator Sr. Bupe Chileshe expressed the organisation’s desire to establish a strong partnership with the Mayor’s office to explore effective solutions to the growing mental health crisis, which she said disproportionately affects young people.
Sr. Bupe added that collaboration between the Mayor’s office, the council and other organisations would enhance outreach efforts to individuals affected by issues such as child labour, abuse, mental illness and the need for counselling services.
This is according to a press release issued by Bulumba Nyambe, Assistant Public Relations Manager at the Lusaka City Council.
