People With Mental Health Illness Face Stigma

Stigma and discrimination of people with mental health illness has been described as one of the major challenges they face

Speaking during commemoration of World Mental Health Day Ministry of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda admitted that Malawi has done less on mental health issues as the country has only one referral hospital that treats such illness.

Chiponda said stigma and discrimination continue to be barriers to social inclusion and access to right care.

In her remarks, World Health Organization country representative Dr. Neema Kimambo expressed commitment to assist Malawi in dealing with mental health illness

She said survivors of climate change related disasters and care givers also need mental health services

Speaking earlier, Zomba Mental Health Central Hospital director, Dr Rapheal Piringu commended government for beefing up the hospital with human resources.

Meanwhile, health activist Maziko Matenda urged ministry of health to speed up the reform process in order to improve service delivery at the hospital

This year World Mental Health Day was commemorated under the theme, Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.