‘NEW MENTAL HEALTH ACT WELCOME’

MULENGA Autism Foundation of Lusaka has toasted government decision to introduce a new mental health Act to replace the out dated colonial era Act filled with derogatory description of people with mental health challenges.

Foundation director of operations and community outreach Henry Mwanza said in a statement yesterday that the new Mental Health Bill, which passed first reading in Parliament, did not only provide hope for parents, individuals, and practitioners but for the nation.

“According to the Ministry (of Health), Zambia is governed by an outdated legal framework. The Mental Disorders Act of 1949 is a piece of legislation from the colonial times which labels people with mental health problems, illnesses and disorders as mad, and disregards their views about how they want to conduct their life,” he said.

Mr Mwanza said that the outdated Mental Disorders Acts had for a long time accelerated and contributed to the abuse, exploitation, neglect and stigmatization of individuals with mental health challenges.

He said government deserved commendation because the bill sought to “provide for respect, non-discrimination, autonomy, right to self-determination and legal capacity of individuals who have mental health problems, illnesses and disorders. It also ensures protection of patients and other people from harm, protect property and regulate patients’ affairs.”

Mr Mwanza said such a legal framework would provide a good foundation for awareness, advocacy, improved access to services and proper coordination for mental health services.

“As Mulenga Autism Foundation we are delighted that as a nation we are beginning to change the status quo of mental health issues, however, we wish to urge all the stakeholders especially the Ministry of Health as a key player to ensure that this process which has begun does not stall or derail for another year, as this process has been long overdue. Imagine Zambia ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) over ten years ago and we have not yet fully domesticated the CRPD,” he said.

Mr Mwanza implored all key stakeholders and the general public at large to begin a process of mind transformation towards mental health and individuals with mental health challenges.