Health
Government Assures Inmates Of Continued Mental Health Support
Government has assured inmates across the country of continued access to mental...
Picture: Zambia24
By Daisy Mulenga
Government has assured inmates across the country of continued access to mental health care and psychosocial support, stating that inmates living with mental health conditions deserve dignity, compassion and rehabilitation.
Speaking during the International Day of Prayer and Action for Inmates in Mwembeshi, Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary DICKSON MATEMBO said Government had made mental health an integral part of health and wellbeing services.
Mr MATEMBO said the Zambia Mental Health Package, launched in 2024, provides a framework for expanding services, with psychiatric units established across all ten provinces and improved access to psychotropic medicines.
He said the Mental Health Act Number 6 of 2019 provides for mental health services in correctional facilities and would be strengthened through the Mental Health Amendment Bill of 2026 to broaden mental health governance.
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Meanwhile, Zambia Correctional Service Deputy Commissioner General BWALYA KUYOMBA said the Service continued to provide health screening for inmates from admission to discharge, with mental health now central to its rehabilitation agenda.
Mr KUYOMBA said the mental health campaign launched in 2025 for both inmates and officers had helped challenge stigma and encourage people to seek support, while chaplaincy services continued to promote moral and spiritual restoration.
He disclosed that more than 2,000 inmates had graduated with theological qualifications, while over 7,500 had obtained TEVETA certification in the last five years.
Mr KUYOMBA added that inmate enrolment in General Certificate of Education (GCE) and tertiary education programmes had also increased under the Free Education Policy.
Source: Zambia24 — Read more
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