Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube [email protected]
THE Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) Zimbabwe has called for mainstreaming of mental health and psychosocial well-being promotion through community-based programmes and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at the recent Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), REPSSI Zimbabwe country director, Mrs Sibusisiwe Bhebhe-Marunda said this was critical in protecting society and supporting development.
Working closely with communities, schools and health institutions to strengthen mental health support systems, she said society should be able to tackle prevailing mental health challenges and assisting victims.
“We are a mental health and psychosocial well-being organisation working with communities to support children, families and individuals to improve their overall well-being,” she said.
Mrs Bhebhe-Marunda said REPSSI is actively involved in the education sector, where it trains teachers to provide psychosocial support to learners and create positive classroom environments.
“We support teachers so they can better assist learners, ensuring that the psychosocial environment in schools is conducive for learning,” she said.
Beyond education, REPSSI is focused on disaster risk reduction and disability inclusion, helping communities address stigma and ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights.
“We don’t only engage in dialogue but also provide assistive devices to promote real inclusion, because without those tools, inclusion remains rhetoric,” she said.
The organisation has partnership with the National AIDS Council to support young people living with HIV, with a focus on treatment adherence and reducing loss to follow-up.
“We work with young persons with HIV to improve treatment outcomes and ensure they remain on medication,” she said.
Mrs Bhebhe-Marunda added that REPSSI is a community-led monitoring partner under the Global Fund, facilitating dialogue between communities and health facilities to improve service delivery.
“We support communities to assess the quality of services they receive and create platforms for engagement with service providers. Issues that cannot be resolved locally are escalated for advocacy at higher levels,” she said.
At the ZITF, REPSSI has been offering mental health screening services and raising awareness on the importance of prioritising mental well-being.
“So far, we have attended to about 60 people who came for mental health screening. We’re also conducting community education to emphasise that mental health is just as important as other basic needs,” said Mrs Bhebhe-Marunda.
She said that poor mental health can affect how individuals utilise other services, stressing the need for increased awareness and support.
REPSSI has also participated in youth-focused engagements led by the National Youth Council of Zimbabwe, addressing issues such as drug and substance abuse and mental health among young people.
The organisation is also supporting the “Not in My Village” initiative, which is being championed by traditional leaders to curb child marriages and teenage pregnancies.
“We applaud initiatives that protect young people, as issues like teenage pregnancy have significant mental health implications,” said Mrs Bhebhe-Marunda.
REPSSI Zimbabwe operates in several provinces, including Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Midlands and Harare Metropolitan, as it continues to expand its reach in promoting mental health and psychosocial support across the country.
