Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in Zambia

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By Renee Chikwanda
Despite growing efforts of advocacy from professionals and organisations, Mental Health awareness in Zambia remains a sensitive and often misunderstood topic.
While much of the world has made progress in addressing mental well-being, many Zambian communities, especially in rural areas, still view mental illness through a lens of stigma, misinformation, or cultural taboo.
In these settings, Mental Health challenges are often dismissed or attributed to spiritual causes, leaving many individuals to suffer in silence.
Recent US funding challenges, including major cuts from USAID, have deepened the crisis not only in Zambia, but Africa at large.
The latest reports warned that without sustained humanitarian support, global health systems could face devastating consequences- potentially resulting in up to 14 million preventable deaths by 2030.
In Zambia, this reduction in aid is already straining an overstretched healthcare system. The growing demand for Mental Health services is colliding with a shortage of trained psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health nurses, as well as underdeveloped infrastructure.
Outside of Chainama Hills Hospital in Lusaka, there are very few facilities equipped to handle psychiatric cases, leaving much of the population without access to essential care.
Sadly, Mental Health remains a low priority under Zambia’s National Health Strategic Plan, shifting the burden to non-governmental organisations, faith-based initiatives, and community-driven efforts.
However, meaningful progress will require more than resources, it demands the mindset and cultural shift.
Traditional leaders, educators, churches, and families must play a role in challenging harmful beliefs and opening up space for honest conversations about mental well-being.
The time has come to stop labelling Mental illness as ‘witchcraft’ and instead integrate Mental Health education into schools, churches, and homes.
By normalising mental health from early childhood, Zambia can build a more compassionate, informed, and resilient society for the future.
The author is an educator, counsellor and social advisor
Email your comments to: renee.chikwanda@gmail.com

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