The recent signing of the Mental Health Bill by President Lazarus Chakwera has drawn praise from mental health advocates, describing it as a breakthrough for Malawi, but with caution over the country’s readiness to implement it effectively.
The new law, which replaces the outdated Mental Treatment Act of 1948, introduces a rights-based approach to mental health care, placing dignity, access, and patient welfare at the centre. It also establishes a Mental Health Board to oversee the regulation, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals with mental health conditions.
In an interview with this publication, Henderson Mhango, Deputy Country Director for ANPPCAN Lifeline Malawi, described the bill as a major step forward.
“The signing of the mental health bill into law is a sign of commitment by the government to promote mental health services in Malawi,” said Mhango. “This will address longstanding challenges of unavailable and inaccessible mental health services and information.”
He added that the law presents an opportunity to build a more responsive and inclusive system that reaches all Malawians, especially those in rural and underserved areas.
However, Mhango also expressed concern that the bold intentions of the bill could be undermined by gaps in the country’s health infrastructure including insufficient health workers.
“However, the biggest fear remains the capacity of public health services to make mental health services available and accessible to all Malawians even those in rural areas. For example, we have a shortage of mental health medical personnel, mental health clinics in the rural areas and medications,” he explained.
Mhango then urged the Malawi government to match its legislative progress with real investment in mental health infrastructure, especially in underserved communities.
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