Mental Health Needs More Than Talk, Says Kindness Zambia

Kindness Zambia is calling for stronger and more coordinated action on mental health, saying tackling the country’s growing mental health challenges requires more than simply encouraging people to talk about their struggles.

Founder Kalaluka Mushaukwa says government, civil society organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders must work together to ensure people experiencing mental health challenges can access the support they need.

Mushaukwa was speaking in Lusaka during the launch of Suicide Is Not a Solution, a new book by author Duncan Nkhoma.

She said Kindness Zambia has been using its platforms to encourage people to speak openly about mental health, listen to one another and offer support, while challenging the stigma that continues to surround mental health issues in Zambia.

Among the organisation’s initiatives is Miss Mental Health Zambia, a programme that uses pageantry to give women a platform to advocate for mental health and raise awareness in communities.

Mushaukwa said the initiative demonstrates that platforms not traditionally associated with mental health can still play an important role in starting conversations, challenging stigma and encouraging people to seek help.

She acknowledged that important work is already being done across the country but stressed that greater collaboration is needed to reach more people and provide meaningful support.

“Together we can reach out to more people and create a Zambia where mental health is given the attention that it deserves,” she said.

The call comes amid growing efforts to make mental health a more visible part of Zambia’s public conversation, with advocates urging communities to move beyond stigma and silence towards greater understanding, support and access to care.