Mental health users want enhanced collaboration with media

The Mental Health Users Network of Zambia (MHUNZ) has embarked on formulating a mental health policy and legislation.

MHUNZ board member Pascal Mushimwa said the network was aiming at highlighting mental health policy to journalists.

Mr. Mushimwa at a two day media workshop in Lusaka today that the network wanted to find ways of sensitising journalists and providing them with information on mental health.

He said the media does not normally report on mental health because journalists were not aware of the challenges mental health users face.

He said the organization decided to hold a workshop in order to improve journalists’ reporting skills on mental health.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mushimwa has explained that mental disabilities were sometimes caused by alcohol abuse and some diseases.

The mission of MHUNZ is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with mental disabilities and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.