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Mangaliso Kabulika
THE Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) will, for the first time, collect information on mental health, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care and Zimstat.
The survey, which started last Saturday and is ending on May 30 next year, is targeting 11 200 households randomly selected across the 10 provinces.
It will also collect information on reproductive health, child health, immunisation, fertility, domestic violence and sanitation facilities.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Dr Abigail Kangwende urged all households to support and cooperate with staff conducting the survey.
“We are aware of the issue of mental health, especially in relation to drug and substance abuse and depression, but we do not know how many are affected.
“We are looking forward to understanding the nature and extent of these problems in the country as this will assist in informing mental health programmes.
“I urge all households to support and cooperate with staff who are conducting the survey as it is important in facilitating evidence, planning, resource allocation and advocacy for our country,” said Dr Kangwende.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge