The Mental Health Community in Zambia has called for more sensitization and awareness on patients suffering from dementia, particularly in rural areas.
Community Board Director, Duncan Nkhoma, says there is less advocacy and awareness about mental illness in the country, calling for collaboration of mental health organizations to bridge the gap between communities and awareness programs.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Nkhoma said People need to recognize that mental illness is real saying that not every person living with dementia is bewitched.
“This year, there are planning collaborations with different mental health institutions to raise more awareness about different mental illnesses such bipolar, dementia and more in all the ten provinces of Zambia”, said Mr. Nkhoma.
Mr. Nkhoma has however encouraged citizens to desist from all forms of stigmatization on people living with dementia.
By Cynthia Lupiya.
