By Wendy Mkandawire
Minister of Gender, Mary Navitcha, has said government has intensified new initiatives to address mental health problems, describing the rising cases as alarming and in need of serious and immediate attention from government and stakeholders.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Navitcha said many Malawians are facing mental health challenges, with men particularly affected. She noted that most men suffer in silence, a trend she said is contributing to suicide cases.
“Malawians, especially men, are going through a lot of mental challenges but tend to keep quiet instead of sharing their problems. This silence is contributing to suicide cases,” Navitcha said.
According to the Minister, men are more affected by mental health challenges compared to women. She attributed the problem to several factors, including poverty and cyberbullying.
“The majority are failing to meet basic needs due to poverty, pushing some to suicide. Cyberbullying on social media has also worsened mental health challenges as victims struggle to defend themselves,” she said.
Despite the alarming figures, Navitcha assured that government is working with stakeholders to curb suicide and strengthen mental health services.
She said the Ministry is conducting research to establish root causes of mental health problems beyond the known factors.
Navitcha added that government is providing psycho-social counselling through social welfare offices in every district.
The Ministry is also working with the Police, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Homeland Security to coordinate the national response.
