Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative Zambia (REPSSI) has observed lack of a comprehensive framework that integrates mental health into climate mitigation strategies.
Zambia is battling drought which has been induced by effects of climate change and has greatly affected power generation.
“Budget allocations fail to prioritize mental health programs, leaving the population unprepared for the psychological impacts of climate-related disasters,” said REPSSI Zambia Country Director, Mirriam Mwiinga in a statement to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Ms. Mwiinga urged the government to take bold steps and ensure mental health and psychosocial support services are embedded in climate change mitigation strategies.
She said the drought has ravaged agriculture, leading to food insecurity, collapsed small businesses, and prolonged electricity load shedding.
By Chimba Chilopa
