The Ministry of Health and Child Care has emphasized that mental health remains a vital component of human well-being and called for increased attention to related issues.
By Patson Gumbo
Speaking at the launch of a new mental health application, Positive Konnections, the Ministry’s Deputy Director in the IT Department, Mr. Trymore Chawurura, representing the Permanent Secretary, said the platform is of immense importance as it will help address the long-standing neglect and misunderstanding surrounding mental health.
Mr. Chawurura noted that the application provides a safe and accessible platform that respects privacy and resonates with young people, offering mental health support in a stigma-free and youth-friendly environment.
“Mental health is a fundamental part of our overall well-being. It shapes how we feel, think, act, and cope with life’s challenges. In our community today, many young people are silently battling anxiety, depression, substance abuse, HIV-related distress, and suicidal thoughts. Addressing mental health is therefore essential and non-negotiable.
The launch of Positive Konnections is a major milestone, as the platform provides a safe, stigma-free, and accessible space for young people to explore their emotions, build resilience, and receive psychosocial support,” said Mr. Chawurura.
He added that the application plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap in areas where psychological support is limited.
“Positive Konnections helps bridge a critical gap in mental health care accessibility. By leveraging technology, the platform extends the reach of mental health support to young people wherever they are, at any time,” he added.
Clinical psychologist and founder of Positive Konnections, Ms. Vongai Munatsi, expressed optimism that the initiative will reach everyone in Zimbabwe in need of mental health care.
Ms. Munatsi highlighted the shortage of psychological and psychiatric services in the country, noting that the innovation aims to fill this gap and provide much needed support.
“There is a shortage of mental health resources in our country with only 19 psychiatrists, 35 psychologists, about 956 mental health nurses, and 150 occupational therapists serving the entire population.
The growing number of mental health cases prompted us to create this intervention to reach everyone, even those in hard-to-reach areas.
There is also a lot of stigma surrounding mental health, and digital interventions like our app make it easier for people to access the help they need without fear or shame,” said Ms. Munatsi.
For three individuals, two men and one woman who have been using the mobile application to manage their mental health, Positive Konnections has provided an opportunity to receive counselling and connect with others in similar situations.
The trio, all living with HIV, said the platform allowed them to talk to counsellors and participate in group discussions anonymously.
“Using Positive Konnections helped me get the support I really needed. Having it on my phone made it easier to manage my emotional well-being,” said one of the men.
“I was born HIV-positive, and for years I harboured anger toward my mother, blaming her for my struggles. Through Positive Konnections, I learned to let go of that anger. The platform helped me move on without stigma,” said another user.
“As someone born HIV-positive, I used the app to learn how to care for my HIV-negative child. Through group discussions and counselling on the app, I’ve learned to live positively and look forward to the future,” said the woman.
Positive Konnections is a digital application developed to support mental health programs and introduce innovative methods to assist young people living with mental health challenges. The app enables users to access services from qualified specialists and participate in group discussions without revealing their identity, fostering a safe and supportive community for all.
