Mangochi District Youth Office has formed a youth platform Mangochi Youth Network on Mental Health to give young people opportunity to discuss challenges that may lead to suicide and other mental health problems.
Speaking after the formation of the network on Monday, the district’s principal youth officer Kumbukani Manda said the initiative follows increasing cases of suicide among young people linked to various mental health challenges affecting adolescents and youths.
| Ayamba Kandodo
He said: “This platform will enable youths facing challenges to bring them forward for discussion with health service providers, stakeholders and fellow youths who will explore the problems and how best to address them.
“We want to curtail suicides and other mental health-related problems among the youth in the district.”
Manda called on adolescents facing mental health challenges to seek help from health providers, youth networks, youth-friendly health services and other support providers.
Mangochi District Hospital non-communicable diseases coordinator George Goche said that between 36 and 60 people commit suicide in the district annually.
The district’s youth chairperson Margaret Adini said the initiative will help young people experiencing mental health challenges.
Her counterpart, Alli Gelard from Mtuwa-Malombe Youth Network, lamented the lack of economic opportunities for young people.
