Mpilo Central Hospital has opened a Mental Health Clinic to combat Zimbabwe’s rising drug and substance abuse problem.
The clinic, led by Sister Hango Ndebele, focuses exclusively on mental health and offers holistic care. It not only addresses mental health issues but also physical health, involves family members in treatment, and helps patients gradually stop substance use.
Patients, ranging from 10 years old to seniors, access the clinic voluntarily or through referrals, often after emergencies. The most affected groups are teenagers aged 10–17 and working adults aged 35–45.
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The clinic, staffed by four trained mental health nurses and supported by volunteer psychologists, provides counseling and outreach services. It also screens for depression, anxiety, and substance use, offering support in schools and communities.
Additionally, the clinic helps those struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety, emphasizing family involvement in recovery. It conducts regular mental health awareness campaigns in local communities like Ngozi Mine and Cowdray Park.
This initiative has also eased the burden on Ingutsheni Central Hospital by offering on-site treatment and medication.
