Breaking the silence: Zimbabwean youth leader calls for urgent investment in mental health

Tanatswa Amanda Chikaura Leads Youth-Driven Mental Health Efforts in Zimbabwe

Through initiatives like the sport and mental health program, Ndinewe integrates mental health education into sporting activities, aiming to engage children and adolescents in accessible ways. Chikaura emphasized, “Our main goal is to ensure that young people have the resources and the tools they need to not only support themselves, but to support other people as well.”

UN Event Spotlights Sport as a Tool for Mental Health Advocacy

Chikaura will join 15 other UN Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals at the “One World, One Game, One Goal” event at the United Nations, which precedes the FIFA final matches. The gathering will launch a global youth mental health campaign encouraging open conversations about mental health and mutual support. Chikaura’s advocacy aligns with the event’s focus on youth-led solutions, as she has long argued that young people must design their own mental health strategies.

Dr. Al Nahari, a UN medic, highlighted how sport can break down barriers to mental health discussions, noting that “on the field, absolutely no one wins alone.” The event underscores the role of sports in fostering resilience and community, a theme central to Chikaura’s work. “Football is a universal language that brings young people a sense of belonging,” said UN Assistant Secretary-General Felipe Paullier, who emphasized the need for cross-sectoral approaches to youth mental health.

Zimbabwe Faces a Mental Health Crisis Amid Violence and Pandemic Fallout

Zimbabwean children and adolescents face significant mental health challenges, exacerbated by violence, poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Over two-thirds of children experience violent discipline, and more than a third of girls face sexual violence before age 18. School closures during the pandemic disrupted education for 4.5 million children, worsening mental health risks. Despite existing legislation like the Mental Health Act and recent government initiatives, mental health remains a taboo topic, limiting access to care.

The Zimbabwean government, with support from UNICEF, has provided psychosocial first aid and broadcasted mental health awareness campaigns. However, the scale of the crisis remains under-researched. “The real scale and nature of mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents in Zimbabwe is still very much unknown,” a source noted. Chikaura’s work with Ndinewe aims to fill this gap by offering culturally grounded solutions.

Global Call for Investment in Youth Mental Health

Chikaura and UN officials warn that mental health receives less than 2% of many national health budgets, despite being a critical issue for young people. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds, with most cases in low- and middle-income countries. Africa, home to the world’s youngest population, faces urgent needs, particularly for marginalized groups like autistic individuals, who face higher suicide risks but limited tailored support.

Paullier called for systemic change, stating, “Youth mental health has been neglected for far too long.” He stressed the need for funding and policies that address social determinants like education, employment, and technology. The UN’s Helping Adolescents Thrive (HAT) initiative, led by WHO and UNICEF, offers frameworks for schools to implement psychosocial support programs.

Chikaura’s Vision: Ensuring No Young Person Is Left Behind

Chikaura’s ultimate goal is to ensure every community has access to culturally relevant mental health support. “It is my hope that young people are able to live and thrive and be the best versions of themselves,” she said. Her academic research on autism and suicide prevention highlights the need for specialized interventions, while her global advocacy seeks to amplify local voices in international policy discussions.

As the UN event approaches, Chikaura’s message resonates: young people are not “waiting on the sidelines to be saved” but require partnerships to create sustainable solutions. With mental health crises escalating worldwide, her work underscores the urgency of investing in youth-driven, culturally informed approaches to ensure no one is left behind.

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