Ministry of National Unity embarks on mental health awareness

Ministry of National Unity has engaged officials from Saint John of God Hospital Services, Malawi Police Service and other stakeholders through the Malawi Wanga program to discuss issues of Mental health that are affecting citizens in the country.

Speaking during the meeting in Lilongwe, a psychiatric Clinical Officer at Saint John of God Hospital, Mark Chalamanda, attributed the rise in suicide cases to depression and anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse, among others.

Chalamanda however, was optimistic that the country can control the problem if more resources are put into the fight despite the country having a few psychiatrists.

In his remarks, Chalamanda has asked communities to seek medical help when depressed in order to control suicide and mental health cases in the country.

In the month of October alone this year, the country recorded 58 cases of suicide.