Mental health care organisation to be launched soon

The launch of National Mental Health Care Namibia, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), will take place at MTC Dome on 7 July. National Mental Health Care Namibia is a newly registered organisation that aims to assist Namibians with mental health problems and promote good mental health and well-being amongst the public. Cathy Kambanda, who founded the organisation, says the purpose is to reach as many people as possible. "Men have been the most successful at committing suicide and women on attempting to commit suicide. We had to plan an event to attract many people so we can launch the organisation and raise awareness about the services we have to offer.” To achieve this, a boxing event will take place at MTC Dome on 23 July. Professional, amateur and upcoming boxers will face off against each other for a good cause. Some of the fighters lined up are Harry Simon; Vikapita Meroro; Paulus Ambunda; Paulus Moses; Milton Xuro and Leonard Witbeen. “We believe through collaborating with boxing federation amateurs, professional boxers and our socialites, we can sound a call to destigmatise the fight against suicide and depression,” explained Kambanda. She said the plan is to launch National Mental Health Care Namibia and create awareness about the assistance in the fight against this disease that has captured the minds and hearts of many Namibians. “We focus on suicide prevention, depression assistance and helping rape victims. Therefore, we aim to launch not only our 24-hour helpline, but introduce the organisation which is ready to help fellow Namibians.” Kambanda highlighted that the suicide rate in the country has been increasing, saying the call to raise awareness around the social stigmas and ambiguity of suicidal behaviours is resounding louder and louder. "We must act. Those who attend the boxing event will be entertained and contribute towards saving lives at the same time." Based on statistics provided by the Namibian police - through the ministry of health and social services - 745 Namibians took their own lives over a period of 18 months - between January 2020 and June 2021. This is an average of 1.4 suicides daily.

Mental health care organisation to be launched soon

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Republikein 2025-04-09

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