Online Reporter
The Herald, 30 July 1994
FOR 38-year-old Matare, life could not be more difficult, but because he is mentally ill and cannot reconcile with his environment.
His eyes are sunken, his black skin is now chalky grey and he is so thin you can almost see the detail of every bone. He is into his fifth day without food.
The mentally handicapped like Matare haunt the streets of Zimbabwe’s urban centres, scavenging from the bins and sleeping rough every night.
Millions more present less chronic illness or are totally unaware of their mental problems. About one person in every five in Zimbabwe has a mental problem yet mental health services remain the least developed of Zimbabwean health services, says Zimbabwe National Association for mental health (ZIMNAMH) director Mrs Itai Nyamatore.
Mental health problems range from psychological disturbances, frequently presenting themselves as somatic complaints, through to severe and often psychiatric disorders as well as permanent mental handicap.
A report released by ZIMNANH said since 1980, there have been various attempts to extend and expand this service by non-governmental organisations and the Government, but little has taken off the ground.
High centralisation, poor co-ordination and a serious shortage of personnel at all levels have been attributed to the underdevelopment of these services. “I quite agree with the fact that mental health services are highly centralised and we have been pressing for the decentralisation of this sector in vain.
“High centralisation causes a lot of problems. For example, at one of the mental institutions patients were detained there for three years, long after they were due for release, just because some papers had to be signed by the President,” said Minister of Health and child welfare Dr Timothy Stamps.
Lessons for today:
- While mental health remains a significant challenge in Zimbabwe due to drug and substance abuse, depression, at birth and other health factors, there have been notable improvements since the 1994 article highlighted the lack of services.
- There is a growing shift toward decentralised, community-based mental health services, such as the Friendship Bench initiative, which trains lay health workers to provide basic mental health support. Public awareness campaigns and NGO involvement have helped reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.
- Organisations like the WHO and UNDP have supported Zimbabwe in developing a Mental Health Investment Case, which outlines the economic and social benefits of improving mental health services.
- Education campaigns in schools, churches, and community centres has helped to normalise mental health discussions. Sharing real-life stories and involving respected community leaders can break down stigma and encourage people to seek help.
