By Agatha kadzinje

Blantyre, November 1, Mana: In an effort to combat suicide cases, Mental Health Coalition Malawi has launched a new initiative offering free call-in therapy sessions for individuals struggling with mental health issues across the country.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, Tilinao Lamba, a founding member of the Mental Health Coalition and a Global Health Corps alumnus, revealed that the initiative aims at linking those in need of mental health support with qualified professionals, such as psychologists and therapists.

“One of the major challenges we face in Malawi is that people often do not know where to seek assistance or how to connect with mental health professionals. This initiative will help bridge the gap in seeking mental health assistance,” she said.

Lamba added that the initiative will help address daily mental health challenges that affect individuals’ well-being from relationship problems to financial hardships.

She added that this development aligns with Malawi’s mental health strategy by raising awareness about mental health issues, an area that has for a long time been neglected.

Founder of The Little Mental Health Project, which is part of the coalition, Collina Nkhambule said the coalition is expanding its efforts to rural areas through partnerships with local hospitals and secondary schools.

“We have started meeting with major hospitals in the districts. Additionally, we are collaborating with secondary schools to train teachers and students, with the aim of establishing mental health clubs to increase open discussions about mental health struggles,” she said.

Nkhambule added that the coalition’s main goal, through this initiative, is to raise awareness and reduce stigma, ensuring that people are well-informed and have access to mental health support.

In a separate interview, mental health expert, Moses Muotcha emphasized that free therapy sessions could potentially reduce suicide rates in Malawi by providing support to those in need while highlighting the multiple benefits of the initiative.

“Support from experienced individuals will be more accessible and people won’t need to travel long distances or spend money to seek help. Many Malawians cannot afford therapy sessions due to the high costs, so this initiative will reach a broader population,” he said.

Muotcha commended the initiative, emphasizing that it will reach many people who might otherwise lack access to mental health services.

“Malawians should take advantage of these services to share their struggles, which could help decrease suicide cases in the country,” he said.

He also urged the coalition to maintain strict confidentiality, fostering a safe space where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves openly.

The Mental Health Coalition Malawi was founded by Global Health Corps and includes a range of organizations, brands and individuals working to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health in Malawi. Members of the coalition include The Little Mental Health Project, Match Foundation, Mind Malawi and Caring Malawi. The hotlines include 0993875725 and 0996491333.