NEW: Govt moves to address mental health challenges

The project, which is being implemented by the Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, was unveiled today during a National Food and Nutrition Security Committee (NFNSC) meeting in Harare.

Online Reporter

Government, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, has incorporated a local mental health organisation – Friendship Bench – as part of its Community-Based Problem-Solving Intervention (CBPSI) under the Zimbabwe Special Initiative for Mental Health.

Friendship Bench provides sustainable community-based psychological interventions that are evidence-based, accessible and scalable, and seeks to get people out of depression.

The Friendship Bench clinical team trains community health workers (also known as lay health workers) to provide basic cognitive behavioural therapy with an emphasis on problem-solving therapy, activity scheduling and peer-led group support.

Addressing guests at a graduation ceremony of Trainers of Trainers on Mental Health in the workplace in Harare on Friday, occupational therapist Mr Brighton Mufakwadziya said the ceremony was part of Government’s package to be rolled out countrywide.

“The ceremony is part of the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’ package to be rolled out countrywide with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe,” he said.