NGO in mental health awareness
Ukhondo Service Foundation has conducted a mental health awareness campaign in Traditional Authority Kilupula in Karonga District.
Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with traditional and religious leaders in group village head (GVH) Zindi, the organisation’s executive director Edgar Phiri said they noted suicide and murder cases happening in the area.
He said: “Recently, a man hanged himself after beheading his pregnant wife and killing a child. Therefore, this meeting seeks to find solutions to address mental health issues that may lead to suicide cases.
“We will also engage the youth through sports because they are also committing suicide.”
GVH Zindi commended the organisation for the initiative.
He said the intervention will help people to contain pressure from marital and economic problems.
“We will raise awareness on mental health issues and encourage our subjects to always seek counselling instead of committing suicide,” he said.
Karonga District Hospital mental health clinical officer Martin Banda said his office is overwhelmed with mental health cases.
He, however, attributed the cases to poverty and marital-related issues.
“The initiative is good because suicide cases are rampant. Therefore, the messages should be taken seriously,” said Banda.
With funding from United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Comic Relief through Tilitonse Foundation under the Catalsyt Fund, Ukhondo Service Foundation is implementing the Promoting Mental Health at Grassroots Communities Project in the district.
