Mpilo Central Hospital has established a dedicated Mental Health Clinic in response to the escalating drug and substance abuse crisis in Zimbabwe.
Sister Hango Ndebele, head of the new Mental Health Clinic at Mpilo Hospital, told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mpilo-hospital-opens-unit-to-tackle-drug-abuse-epidemic/">State media</a> that, unlike other services within the hospital, the clinic specializes solely in mental health concerns. She said:
<blockquote>
This unit is different from other units in the hospital in the sense that it provides comprehensive mental health services. We treat the client using a holistic approach.
We don’t simply focus on the mental illness but attend to the physical side as well. We advocate for their treatment and involve family members in their care.
We screen for HIV, TB, hepatitis, kidney function, and liver function tests, and we work with you to reduce your intake until you can resolve to stop.
</blockquote>
Ndebele said that some clients voluntarily seek treatment at the clinic, while others are brought in by family members or emergency services in a state of intoxication or unconsciousness.
She also revealed that patients range from as young as 10 years old to those above retirement age. Said Ndebele:
<blockquote>
In relation to substance use disorders, they start as early as the age group of 10 to 17 years, but the most dominant group is those who are 35 to 45 years old, the working group. We do get those above 65 years, but not on a large scale.
The clinic has helped ease congestion at Ingutsheni Central Hospital as clients can get their medication at the hospital.
The unit is currently manned by four mental health nurses trained by the World Health Organisation and by Gap and Friendship Bench in problem-solving therapy. We also offer counselling services at the clinic.
We have psychologists who assist us on a voluntary basis as well. We also go out to schools to screen for depression, anxiety, and substance use and also offer counselling.
</blockquote>
The clinic also provides support for people struggling with depression and anxiety, as well as those contemplating suicide. Said Ndebele:
<blockquote>
We handle para-suicide patients almost daily and offer counselling and other psychotherapies. We involve the family as they are affected as well. We also screen for depression and anxiety.
For para-suicide, it’s mainly women, and with women, it’s a cry for attention, unlike men who use lethal forms and don’t stop halfway. But we do have some of them as well.
</blockquote>
Every quarter, the clinic holds awareness campaigns and mental health drives in the community. They have reached areas such as Ngozi Mine, Cowdray Park, Nkulumane, Emganwini, Nketa, and Mabuthweni.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Mpilo Central Hospital in Zimbabwe has started a new Mental Health Clinic to help with drug and substance abuse problems. The clinic focuses on both mental and physical health and involves family members in the care. People of all ages can get help at the clinic, including children and senior citizens. The clinic is staffed by trained nurses and psychologists who provide counseling and support. They also go to schools to help screen for mental health issues. The clinic also helps people struggling with depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. Awareness campaigns are held in the community to educate people about mental health.

Mpilo Central Hospital Opens Dedicated Mental Health Clinic

Patsimeredu Trust recently launched a round table discussion aimed at addressing the mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic within Zimbabwean communities.
The project focuses on research, community engagement, and advocacy to promote mental well-being and digital literacy among young people.
In partnership with IFM-SEI and Youth Policy Labs, the initiative has equipped participants with essential research skills, fostering a deeper understanding of mental health issues across various cultural contexts.
A significant event, the National Co-Design Meeting, was held at Nyaradzo Group of companies, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds to discuss the pandemic’s impact on mental health.
Tapiwanashe Henry Mutekede, the E-mpACT Project Zimbabwe Coordinator, emphasized the urgency 
of addressing these mental health challenges. Said Mutekede:
<blockquote>
We are committed to tackling the mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic. Our project not only aims to provide immediate support but also to empower communities with knowledge and resources for long-term well-being.
</blockquote>
The project emphasizes enhancing digital literacy to ensure individuals can readily access essential 
mental health resources online.
Mutekede highlighted the types of support and interventions that the project will provide for vulnerable populations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said:
<blockquote>
The project aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health through nationwide awareness campaigns that will educate communities about mental health issues and available support services.
</blockquote>
John Munetsi who attended the mental health discussion shared his experiences about the project. Said Munetsi:
<blockquote>
We are not only receiving entertainment but we are also being equipped with knowledge and skill to convey crucial information to beneficiaries within the communities we come from.
</blockquote>
The paper outlines strategies to strengthen mental health services, raise awareness, and support 
vulnerable populations while integrating mental health considerations into national emergency planning.
This story was contributed by Shingirai Manyengavana.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Patsime Trust started a project to help people in Zimbabwe with mental health problems because of COVID-19. They are working with young people to do research, talk to communities, and promote digital skills. They had a big meeting with young people from different backgrounds to talk about how the pandemic is affecting mental health. The project wants to give support now and also help communities in the long run. They will educate people about mental health and provide resources online. They also want to reduce the stigma around mental health. The project aims to improve mental health services and help those most affected by the pandemic.

Patsime Trust Launches Mental Health Round Table Discussion

Award-winning journalist and filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono is giving away R100 000 to Zimbabwean mental health patients who cannot afford medication.
On Tuesday night, Chin’ono posted on his social media pages that he received a gift of R50,000 from his personal doctor, Nyasha Maboreke, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He then chose to donate the money to a worthy cause. He said:
<blockquote>
Tonight, I had dinner with my personal doctor, Nyasha Maboreke, in Johannesburg.
A prominent Zimbabwean gave me R50,000 to appreciate my contributions towards Zimbabwe’s journey to democracy. “Imari yedrink mudhara,” he said.
I want to use this money to buy mental health drugs for Zimbabweans who can’t afford them.
If you have a relative who needs mental health drugs but can’t afford them, let me know!
</blockquote>
After Chin’ono’s post, his pages were flooded with messages of support from Zimbabweans, prompting Dr. Maboreke to double his offer to R100,000 Said Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
My doctor, Nyasha Maboreke, has been deeply moved by your comments. He said he is going to match the amount, so we now have R100,000 in the pot for this mental health drug initiative.
</blockquote>
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) mental health in Zimbabwe faces significant challenges.
WHO said the issue is underreported, lacks reliable data, and remains stigmatized. Issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicide continue to be misunderstood and associated with negative connotations.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hopewell Chin'ono Donates R100, 000 To Mental Health Patients

Zimbabwe has the highest prevalence of suicide ideation and self-harm among young people, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe has said.
As reported by CITE’s <a href="https://cite.org.zw/author/senzeni/">Senzeni Ncube</a>, the high rate of suicide ideation and self-harm among adolescents is linked to substance abuse and alcohol abuse.
This came out during the MindSKILLZ programme which focuses on adolescent mental health promotion and prevention.
The programme is being implemented by Pamumvuri Private Voluntary Organisation and Grassroot Soccer Inc. in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and WHO.
It incorporates soccer games, discussions, and activities designed to promote self-awareness and self-regulation, communication and relationship skills, problem-solving and decision-making, emotional intelligence and resilience and goal setting among adolescents.
The pilot programme is set to launch in Bulawayo and Harare and will target 3 500 adolescents between the ages of 10-19 years.
Speaking during the meeting, WHO Zimbabwe Mental Health Technical Officer, Dr Debra Machando, said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe has the highest rate of suicide ideation and self-harm. You will find a lot of young people who think that it is better to die or they want to relieve anxiety through self-harm in different ways.
You might find the young person with a lot of cuts under their sleeves or their bellies or on their thighs. Sadly, Zimbabwe is among the top 10 countries with the actual suicide rates among adolescents.
If we talk about common mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders, we again often lead to high rates of substance abuse and alcohol abuse.
</blockquote>
Machando also said Zimbabwe is the top-ranked country for 15 –19-year-olds in the African region for binge drinking, “it could be the parties that we are reading about that could be causing all that.” She added:
<blockquote>
Sadly, our mental health expenditure is very low, for our country it is 0.42 per cent. Our mental health workforce, in Africa is the lowest, we have the least number of mental health practitioners who can handle these problems.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo Provincial Medical Director, Dr Maphios Siamuchembu said in the southern region of the country, the problem is drug and substance abuse is exacerbated by the limited economic activities and opportunities.
The founder of Pamumvuri PVO, Jacob Shamuyarira said they want to create content in local languages.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Leads In Youth Suicide Ideation, Self Harm - WHO

Calvin Moyo, a 21-year-old Zimbabwean man often referred to as “giant” due to his unusual height, has been admitted to Ingutsheni Psychiatric Central Hospital in Bulawayo.
Calvin’s mother, Sifiso Moyo, told <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/giant-admitted-to-ingutsheni/">The Sunday News</a> that he has been getting aggressive and hallucinating and there are fears that he may harm those around him. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
Calvin is getting worse, it looks like this has now affected his mental well-being, we took him to Mpilo Central Hospital where he was referred to Ingutsheni Hospital.
He is not well at all, the doctors told us that there are some drugs he was supposed to get for the fits that he experiences and that he should have started taking them in February but because he could not get them, he keeps getting the fits and this may have caused the challenges he is experiencing now. There is hope that if he gets them, he will be better.
On Tuesday he was violent and wanted to beat up people, he had started on Monday night, he did not sleep at all and was saying there were people who were beating him up and trying to remove his intestines from his stomach.
He was no longer coherent and kept getting worse. He even started to attack people. He was especially violent with little children as he was saying they were the ones who were “hurting” him.
</blockquote>
Moyo is now seeking financial assistance to buy Calvin’s medication which was prescribed by the doctor who volunteered to treat him and assess his condition.
She said Calvin was told to buy medication which must be taken twice weekly for three months which costs US$68 for a month’s supply and US$1 494 for another drug supply for three months. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
I need funds to source the medication for the fits and I have run out of money, I paid for some of the things that were needed when he initially went to the hospital last week and now, I have run out of money, the little that I had that was for purchasing the wares I sell, was all used up and now I have nothing.
</blockquote>
In August, Calvin fell into a fire and suffered serious burns while he was in Esiphezini and had to be admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.
The Sunday News reported that Calvin was born a normal child and only started growing excessively at about 16 years after completing his Ordinary Levels.
“Giant” now stands at over 2.1 metres tall, 130kg in weight, and wears a size 23 shoe.
Those willing to assist, please contact Ms. Sifiso Moyo on 0782852897 or The Sunday News.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean "Giant" Admitted To A Mental Institution

An addiction to smartphones can result in a range of challenges, which could be physical, psychological and social in nature, a consultant psychiatrist has said.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/standard-people/article/200014645/mental-health-the-impact-of-smartphone-overuse-on-our-mental-wellbeing">According to Dr. Chido Rwafa-Madzvamutse</a>, one could be struggling with smartphone addiction if answers to the questions below are “yes”:
<ul>
<li>Are you spending excessive nonwork or school-related time on your smartphone?</li>
<li>Do you fear being separated from your smartphone or do you panic if you cannot locate it for even brief periods of time?</li>
<li>Do you constantly check your phone even if it hasn’t given you notifications?</li>
<li>Do you panic if you run out of data or cannot access Wifi even for brief periods of time?</li>
<li>Are you neglecting important responsibilities and duties due to time spent on the phone?</li>
<li>Is your phone the first thing you interact with in the morning and the last thing you interact with at night?</li>
<li>Do you find yourself unable to resist using your smartphone even when in work meetings, in class at school or when spending time with family and friends?</li>
</ul>
The physical effects of smartphone addiction include poor sleep, fatigue, dry, irritated eyes, thumb or wrist pain and risk of physical injury when one uses smartphones in risky situations like walking in a busy street, driving, operating machinery or even cooking
The psychological effects of smartphone overuse include irritability or aggressiveness when cut off from the phone as well as distractions from school and work, poor concentration and poor performance.
It also increases the risk of depression and anxiety problems, particularly with the overuse of social media sites.
The relational or social effects include decreased meaningful social interaction with family and friends leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
There could also be relationship breakdowns as virtual relationships take precedence over real-life relationships.
Some tips about how to overcome smartphone overuse/addiction:
<ul>
<li>Put your phone in an inaccessible place for set times to allow for non-digital activities and to sleep.</li>
<li>Monitor your smartphone usage.</li>
<li>Turn off non-essential notifications and consider deleting some social media apps off your phone and only using them on a laptop or desktop.</li>
<li>Take time off your smartphone and connect with your friends and family in a digital-free zone giving each other precious undivided attention.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Impact Of Smartphone Addiction On Mental Wellbeing

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) in Zimbabwe, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe has launched a project aimed at addressing the country’s significant challenges in meeting the mental health (MH) care needs of its population.
Zimbabwe has only two psychiatric hospitals and one psychiatrist for every one million people, leaving the vast majority of the population with limited access to MH care, including the 67.8% living in rural areas, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/health/article/200014226/zim-struggling-with-mental-health-who">NewsDay</a> reported. The concentration of MH resources in major cities and hospitals makes the integration of MH care at the primary healthcare level crucial.
To address the urgent need for expanded MH services at the PHC level, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) in Zimbabwe, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe, officially launched the FRIENDZ project on Wednesday. The goal of the project is to scale up the assessment and management of priority mental, neurological, and substance abuse disorders, extending from community to primary and tertiary healthcare levels in Zimbabwe. The ambitious goal is to reach over one million people by 2025 with quality MH services. Speaking at the launch, Patience Maunganidze, MoHCC deputy director for mental health said:
<blockquote>
Through this programme, we will train health workers at the PHC level to provide quality mental health services, ensuring no one is left behind.
</blockquote>
The FRIENDZ project is being implemented in Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Harare, and Matabeleland North provinces over a three-year period. It is part of the Zimbabwe Special Initiative for Mental Health and is implemented in partnership with WHO and Friendship Bench. Friendship bench director Dixon Chibanda said the FRIENDZ project would enhance access to quality MH services. Chibanda said:
<blockquote>
The FRIENDZ project will allow us to increase access to community-based MH services, reaching deep into marginalised communities to serve those who often do not get access to such services.
</blockquote>
The project has received support from Grand Challenges Canada, which has committed US$820,000. The funds are allocated under the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health, supported by Norad and USAid, with a total budget of US$2.1 million.
Jean-Marie Dangou, WHO Zimbabwe country representative, expressed excitement about integrating the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme and Friendship Bench Problem Solving Therapy within the FRIENDZ project framework. He said:
<blockquote>
Universal health coverage cannot be achieved without MH. Therefore, we are steadfast in our commitment to assist Zimbabwe in fortifying its MH services. 
</blockquote>
Following the successful launch, the programme will shift its focus to capacity building for health workers in the four identified provinces. The programme is aimed at low and middle-income countries.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwe, WHO Launch Project To Improve Mental Health Care

A Grade Four learner at Kaitano Primary School in Nyanga District is heavily pregnant after she was sexually abused by her uncle, a cousin and a schoolmate.
The girl, who turned 13 on 6 January this year, is now six months pregnant.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/grade-4-student-heavily-pregnant/">The Manica Post</a> on Monday, with the consent of her father, the girl said he was intimate with her uncle, who is in his late 40s; her 23-year-old cousin and a 15-year-old schoolmate.
The abusers were identified as Alison Mabvundisa, Joseph Mabota-Mabvumba, and a 15-year-old teenager (name withheld).
The girl’s uncle is a known artisanal gold miner. It is believed that he sexually abused the girl to enhance his gold mining initiatives, a ritual act known as kupinga gomba.
The detestable practice is done with the help of traditional healers. Said the girl:
<blockquote>
I slept with Baba vaTalent (Mabvundisa). This happened while I was alone at home.
I also slept with my schoolmate (name withheld) and Joseph Mabota-Mabvumba.
</blockquote>
In a separate interview with The Manica Post, the Grade Four learner’s father, (name withheld to protect her identity) said:
<blockquote>
We were informed of her pregnancy by the school authorities. In fact, we were summoned to the school and they told us that she is pregnant.
We are being assisted to handle the matter by a local childcare worker and we have been to the clinic with her. She is six months pregnant now.
The school allowed her to continue attending lessons and will only be excused to give birth.
She will continue with her education soon afterward. Her uncle is said to be the one responsible for the pregnancy.
</blockquote>
He said he has not talked to his brother about the issue as he is no longer coming to the area.
The local childcare worker, Dudzai Matiwenga told The Manica Post that the matter was reported to the police. She said:
<blockquote>
I received the report of this child’s pregnancy after the school authorities referred her to the clinic.
Teachers discovered that she is pregnant during a sports event.
When I contacted the Social Services Department, I was advised to take the child to the police.
The father had to sell a goat to raise the bus fare for us to go to the police.
Unfortunately, the child has difficulties explaining what really happened to her.
Two of the alleged perpetrators (the teenager and Mabota-Mabvumba) were initially arrested, but have since been released.
When we went to the clinic, we were told that it is too late to terminate the pregnancy.
The child told us that she was in love with her schoolmate and Mabota-Mabvumba. She said the schoolmate was her long-time boyfriend.
She said he would visit her at home and force her to be intimate with him several times.
She also told us that she met Mabota-Mabvumba on her way from fetching water while he was going to the tuck shop.
They got intimate that day. Later, the issue of her uncle, who is in his late 40s, then surfaced.
</blockquote>
Matiwenga said she was now facing daily threats from the families of the accused persons.
She said the situation has been compounded by the questionable mental state of the Grade Four learner and her parents.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009522/ed-demands-re-run-in-violence-hotspots">Pindula News</a>

Grade Four Learner Six Months Pregnant

An 18-year-old Form Six learner committed suicide at ZRP High School around 5 PM on Monday, 13 March.
ZRP Senior Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations), Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified the pupil as Prince Tawonezvi.
Asst Comm Nyathi said police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the tragic and unfortunate death of an upper sixth student, Prince Tawonezvi (18) at ZRP High School on 13th March 2023 at 1700 hours.
The student allegedly committed suicide in circumstances that are now subject to investigations.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police expresses condolence to the Tawonezvi family and students at the school.
</blockquote>
The suicide at ZRP High is the fourth reported incident of school-going teenage suicides in the country in March.
Earlier this month, 14-year-old Rumbidzai Chimusasa committed suicide in a school toilet at St Mary’s Secondary School in Chikanga, Mutare after she had just been reprimanded for her wayward behaviour by her grandmother.
Last week, 15-year-old Jayden Saudan, a Form Three pupil at Hamilton High School, committed suicide after drinking poison.
On Sunday, a Form One learner at a private school in Luveve suburb, Pauline Moyo, committed suicide by hanging.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Form Six Learner Commits Suicide At ZRP High School

A Form One pupil at a private school in Luveve suburb, Bulawayo, committed suicide by hanging on Sunday evening.
The girl reportedly hanged herself in her bedroom at around 7 PM in the presence of her 8-year-old sister.
Her 19-year-old brother told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/form-one-pupil-commits-suicide/">Chronicle</a> that she did not leave a suicide note or tell anyone if she had any challenges. He said:
<blockquote>
My sister was a very quiet person but she was always smiling. She had gone out and met my father by the corner and asked him where he was going.
My father told her he was going to buy some relish. When she arrived at the house, there was my little sister.
She took some plastic-like rope and hung herself from the roof truss in her bedroom. She didn’t leave any message nor did she say anything to my younger sister.
When my younger sister went to tell the people who lodge in the house at the back, it was already too late as she had died. This is painful.
</blockquote>
The late girl’s uncle said they were informed about the tragic incident on Sunday. He said:
<blockquote>
The girl’s mother died last year in January in South Africa, and what pained us was that the father refused for the children to go and bury their mother at our village in the Gwamba area in Nkayi.
This suicide is troubling to us and we’re forced to think about many things. We suspect that maybe the girl was being abused and just suffered in silence because there’s no other way to explain this painful incident.
I just arrived and I’m waiting for the father to arrive so that we can talk but I’m not happy with the disrespect he has shown to our family.
</blockquote>
A pastor’s wife from the nearby Baptist Church who preferred anonymity said they had been supporting the children together with neighbours in the area after both parents left the children for South Africa. She said;
<blockquote>
I’m pained by this and I wish she could wake up but I know it can’t happen. She was a member of our church but didn’t attend church on Sunday after a relative visited them.
In life iminwe ayilingani but we supported them wherever we could. The father was working hard to provide for them but it was difficult.
The children stayed for a long time by themselves when their parents were in South Africa and the father only returned sometime last year and we were assisting them.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo Provincial ZRP spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the suicide to the Chronicle, saying investigations into the case are ongoing.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Form One Pupil Commits Suicide In The Presence Of Sister (8)

A senior government official has scoffed at preliminary research findings by the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) showing that at least 75% of Zimbabwean teachers are suffering from stress-related challenges owing to poor salaries and working conditions.
Teachers have been demanding the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salary of US$540 to make ends meet.
According to labour unions, teachers are currently earning ZWL$60 000 and an additional US$200 in allowances.
PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said the underpayment of teachers has led “to an increase in alcoholism and suicide cases” within the teaching fraternity.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (ARTUZ) of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure said teachers “should be at rehabilitation centres”, and not in the classroom.
However, speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200007833/75-of-zim-teachers-experiencing-mental-health-challenges-survey">NewsDay</a>, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro dismissed the survey saying it was aimed at causing alarm and despondency. He said:
<blockquote>
They should not be sensational. Besides, they are not medical doctors, so how did they diagnose that and how did they get the statistics?
They should not cause alarm and pandemonium in the education sector. We have close to 100% of our teachers in schools right now coming to school every day.
Our statistics show that teachers are committed to delivering quality education.
What they are talking about is the wisp of their imagination.
</blockquote>

Govt Dismisses Study Claiming 75% Of Teachers Are Experiencing Mental Health Challenges

Renowned mental health professional and therapist Dr. Nyarai Paweni has died.
<a href="https://healthtimes.co.zw/2023/01/12/dr-nyarai-paweni-passes-on/">According to Never Dabuka Mhlanga</a>, Dr. Paweni passed away at Dandaro Hospital after experiencing “pain and anguish” for several weeks.
A Twitter user using the handle @2BrokeTwimbos said Dr. Paweni personally helped save a number of lives and assisted countless more people. <a href="https://twitter.com/2BrokeTwimbos/status/1613471409245765633?s=20&amp;t=X-FHut2m1Ek-yLTObpIgAQ">Reads the notice:</a>
<blockquote>
Hey guys. It’s with heavy hearts that we share that Dr. Nyarai Paweni – our favourite doc has passed away.
Doctor Nyarai and Wired2Love&amp;Thrive made our Mental Wellness Mondays segment possible and over the 2 years that we worked together, she personally helped save a number of lives and assisted countless more people with her work as a mental health professional and therapist.
We are heartbroken and we’ll miss her immensely. We are waiting on more information from her family regarding arrangements and any support they might need.
If you would like to assist please DM us. We also ask that anyone who was receiving care from Dr. Nyarai via our podcast reach out to us so we can make arrangements to ensure you still get the assistance that Dr. Nyarai had dedicated her life to providing.
</blockquote>

Renowned Mental Health Doctor And Therapist Dr Nyarai Paweni Dies

We are sharing this message that we came across on social media as we know many in the Pindula community will find it useful. Our thanks to the person/organisation that compiled this list.
In case you have a son/daughter friend /relative who has a problem with drugs, here is a list of those who provide counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
<ol>
<li>Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999</li>
<li>Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238</li>
<li>Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245</li>
<li>Mandipa Hope Rehabilitation +263776911153</li>
<li>Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014</li>
<li>Mubatirapamwe Trust +263772379751</li>
<li>Beatrice Rehabilitation Centre, Harare</li>
<li>Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare</li>
<li>For Youths By Youths, Harare &amp; Mash West +263775462468 +263773238941</li>
</ol>
<h2>The following public psychiatric institutions also offer help in fighting drug addiction:</h2>
<ol>
<li>Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)</li>
<li>Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)</li>
<li>Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)</li>
<li>Ngomahuru Hospital and Halfway House (Masvingo).</li>
</ol>
If you know other organisations not listed here please help by sharing in the comments section below.

Drug Abuse in Zimbabwe: List Of Places Offering Counselling and Rehabilitation

A 28-year-old mentally-challenged Mudzi man allegedly killed his mother and dismembered the body before burying the pieces into a shallow grave.
Police suspect Jephat Nyakupira murdered his mother Juliette Chapupuruka (65) last week and tried to burn the corpse before burying it in a maize field a few metres from the homestead.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Mashonaland East Province, Inspector Simon Chazovachii confirmed the incident. He said:
<blockquote>
Allegations are that Jephat Nyakupira (28), who has been a mental patient since 2013, killed his mother.
The deceased is Juliette Chapupuruka (65).
On the day in question, a neighbour, Selina Chitonho (43) of Maruza Village, saw some goats grazing in Juliette’s field.
She then chased the goats away before she went to see Jephat, who was alone at the house.
She asked him about the whereabouts of his mother and he acted ignorant.
Selina, in the company of Persuade Bvundura (19) conducted a search for Jephat’s mother before they found a fresh grave in the field, 55 metres from the house.
They also found Juliet’s remains before reporting the matter to Suswe police base in Mudzi.
CID Nyamapanda proceeded to the scene on February 3 where they dug up the remains of the deceased but the head was missing.
The body was in an advanced stage of decomposition and some burns were found on body parts. A fireplace was also found near the field.
The reason why the police are suspecting Jephat is that he has mental challenges and was the only one who was at home at that time.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/slices-her-into-pieces/">H-Metro</a></h4>

Mudzi Man Murders Mum, Chops Body To Pieces

Residents of Bulawayo’s Old Pumula suburb have appealed to authorities to ensure that a man suffering from a mental illness is taken to a mental institution before he maims or kills people.
During a residents meeting held at Old Pumula hall, residents identified the man as Obert and added that he is a threat to society.
Obert is not only in the habit of assaulting women and children but also moves around shouting vulgar words.
The man lives at the back of the Old Pumula Post Office and has threatened several people including a resident, Lucia Ncube. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
I sweep around the business area and we place garbage in one place for easy collection by the garbage collectors.
Obert comes and burns everything up and one day I am telling you, he will burn down that post office, sometimes he even chases me wanting to beat me up.
</blockquote>
Another concerned resident Nhlanhla Moyo said sometimes the man seizes groceries from people coming out of shops. He said:
<blockquote>
The attacks are not really an everyday thing because sometimes he acts a little bit normal but when it happens, he takes people’s groceries and threatens them. He even beats up school children who pass through.
</blockquote>
Residents claimed that they once reported the matter at the local police station but they were told that there was a need for the presence of the man’s relative for him to be taken to Ingutsheni Central Hospital.
Obert’s relatives are believed to be in Nyamandlovu, where his home is situated.
At some point, a family member came intending to collect him but he refused, residents further alleged.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/violent-mental-patient-targets-women-kids/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Violent Mentally-ill Man Targets Women And Schoolchildren

A local non-governmental organisation SPANS, working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care is offering a course in Family Mental Health Therapy. The course title is a Diploma in Systemic Family Therapy and Family Developmental Counselling in Maternal, Paternal, and Child Mental Health. It will be offered in Harare. Here are the details as provided to Pindula by SPANS:
The right training at the right time. World first professional training in Family Mental Health Therapy. A unique, much needed, sensitive, positive and comprehensive approach to family issues.
 
<h2>Entry qualifications:</h2>
At least five ‘O’ Levels including English Language. Also open to all who have a passion in the counselling profession.
 
<h2>Duration:</h2>
2 years (Block release, Lectures one full week per module after every 2 months). Weekend classes also available.
Registration for the November-December 2021 cohort is in progress.
 
<h2>Application:</h2>
Attach certified copies of Birth certificate, National ID and Educational certificates on the registration form provided by SPANS. You can get the forms online and resend them once completed.
Please note that this course on Mental health is on demand and early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.
 
<h2>Registration Venue:</h2>
SPANS Head Office Ruwa Clinic. Goromonzi District, Ruwa. 
Registration can also be done online on 0739948297 / 0774061881
For Further details contact: +263 774061881, 0739948297, +263 778 912 271
 
<h2>About SPANS:</h2>
Society for Pre and Post Natal Services (SPANS)’s mission is to be strategically positioned and to provide an effective clinical practice of family therapy/counselling, psychological support, research and education, thereby not only to saving lives, but to health-care utilization, quality of care and improving quality of life locally, nationally, regionally and globally.
 
<h2>Summary of relevant work:</h2>
Sound mental health and social well-being are important factors enabling people to live useful lives, contribute actively to community living, maintain, plan and care for their families. Maternal mental health is a widespread public health issue that impacts the wellbeing, emotional, the psychological balance, the attitudes and livelihood of many mothers making coping with the many tasks of child care, their infants and their families difficult. In order for the baby to be properly cared for, the baby needs a physically, emotionally, psychologically and mentally capable mother, in addition to a supportive environment provided by the father and extended family. This may improve not only their own mental wellbeing, but also provides better conditions for the optimal development of their babies.
SPANS, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aims to realise the global goal of reducing by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and wellbeing by 2030. SPANS also aims to engage with mothers-to-be and fathers-to-be to empower them, provide support and practical help on child development in a psychologically, therapeutic manner.

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