Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
A research conducted has established that rising cases of Covid-19 are negatively impacting on the cases of mental health disorder.
Speaking at the launch of the 14 days of activism aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues for children and adolescents, CHIN Executive Director Bestone Banda says the numbers being provided by the World Health Organization put the figure at 1 in every 4 people across the world suffer from mental health issues today.
Mr. Banda says high poverty levels which expose children to unimaginable levels of suffering have also been identified as causes of increased exposure to metal health problems especially for children and adolescents.
He adds that increased cases of gender based violence and violation of children’s rights leave children traumatized and unable to deal with their own emotions.
Mr. Banda is hopeful that at the end of the activism, there will be an increased awareness level about mental health issues in the country and also increased involvement at all levels so that the fight is not left to government alone.
He notes the need to send a clear, resounding and collective message that mental health particularly the kind affecting the children here in Zambia will no longer be a fight done in the confines of the homes.