Check In, Save a Life

ZMAI Social Care Foundation and SAWOV urge Zambians to look out for one another through early support, compassion and meaningful conversations

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (14-06-2026) -- Mental health advocates have urged Zambians to make checking on family members, friends, and neighbours a routine practice as part of efforts to address depression, reduce stigma, and provide early support to people experiencing emotional challenges.

The call was made during the launch of the “Check Your Neighbor” Campaign, a national mental health awareness initiative by ZMAI Social Care Foundation in partnership with Support A Woman of Valor (SAWOV).

The campaign seeks to encourage open conversations about mental health and promote a culture where individuals feel supported through simple acts of care, including making phone calls, offering encouragement, and showing concern for others.

SAWOV president Mirriam Mumba, popularly known as Suwilanji, said the initiative comes at a time when many people are silently facing depression due to challenges such as poverty, unemployment, marital conflicts, domestic violence, grief, addiction, loneliness, low self-esteem, and other social pressures.

Mumba said depression affects people regardless of age, gender, social status, or background, but stigma and fear of judgement continue to prevent many individuals from seeking assistance.

“This is not just about launching a campaign. It is about restoring hope and saving lives,” Mumba said.

ZMAI Social Care Foundation Vice President Emmanuel Kafuka said the campaign was aimed at strengthening community support systems by encouraging citizens to take responsibility for one another.

Kafuka said addressing depression requires the involvement of families, churches, communities, mental health professionals, and other stakeholders because emotional struggles can affect anyone.

“People can look strong on the outside while silently struggling inside. Some are smiling, laughing and continuing with their daily lives, but deep within they may be going through difficult experiences,” Kafuka said.

He urged communities and faith-based institutions to create environments where people can openly discuss challenges and access guidance without feeling ashamed.

Kafuka said the “Check Your Neighbor” message was about encouraging people to notice when someone may need support and respond with care before problems become more difficult to manage.

ZMAI Social Care Foundation representative Charity Choongu said the initiative would combine pastoral care, community outreach, and professional mental health support to assist individuals facing emotional difficulties.

Choongu said the campaign recognises that many people conceal personal struggles behind everyday activities and outward appearances, making awareness and compassionate engagement important.

“Depression thrives in silence, but it loses power when we start talking about it openly, honestly, and with love,” Choongu said.

She said the initiative would encourage communities to build supportive environments where people can seek assistance without fear of discrimination.

Meanwhile, Sanjeev Sharda said supporting people experiencing emotional difficulties should not only be viewed through financial assistance, as words of encouragement, prayers, guidance, and genuine concern can also make a difference.

Sharda said the kindness shown by Zambians towards one another demonstrates the importance of maintaining a culture of compassion.

He encouraged citizens to overcome hesitation when approaching people who may be struggling, saying a simple question such as “How are you?” can provide an opportunity for someone to share what they are experiencing.

“Money is not everything. Sometimes words of wisdom, prayers, guidance and showing that you care mean much more,” Sharda said.

Sharda urged communities to continue looking out for neighbours and extending support to people around them.

Cyber security analyst Bestric Mwansa highlighted the influence of social media on mental wellbeing, warning that online interactions can affect people who are already facing personal challenges.

Mwansa urged citizens to be mindful of comments and behaviour on digital platforms, particularly when discussing sensitive issues such as appearance, personal struggles, and life experiences.

He said people should avoid assuming that others are doing well simply because of how they appear in public, noting that some individuals may be dealing with challenges that are not visible.

Mwansa also raised concern over body shaming and insensitive online comments, encouraging responsible communication and kindness on social media platforms.

The “Check Your Neighbor” Campaign will take mental health awareness messages to communities across the country through radio, television, social media, schools, workplaces, churches, traditional leaders, healthcare institutions, and outreach programmes.

A key component of the initiative is the establishment of a confidential toll-free mental health helpline where individuals experiencing emotional challenges can access counselling, emotional support, and referrals to relevant services.

The campaign organisers have appealed to telecommunications companies, including MTN Zambia, Airtel Zambia, and Zamtel, to support the establishment of the helpline and communication platforms to improve access to mental health assistance.

The initiative has also received calls for support from banks, insurance companies, healthcare providers, mining firms, transport companies, media houses, churches, civil society organisations, development partners, and private sector institutions through resources, expertise, counselling services, and awareness programmes.

The campaign organisers said addressing depression requires collective responsibility involving government, communities, private institutions, and citizens.

The organisations concluded by urging Zambians to embrace the campaign message: “Check Your Neighbor. Save a Life. Restore Hope.”