Participants of the Mental Health Buddy System at Kanyama Level 1 Hospital
Mental health conditions are among the leading causes of illness worldwide, affecting millions every year. According to the World Health Organization, one in every eight people globally lives with a mental health condition. In many health facilities, patients often seek help for physical symptoms, while underlying mental health challenges remain unnoticed or untreated.
For health workers on the frontlines, recognizing early signs of mental health challenges can make a significant difference in the quality of care patients receive. However, many staff working outside specialized mental health units may not have the training or exposure needed to identify symptoms, provide basic psychosocial support, or refer patients appropriately.
To help strengthen mental health care, Access to Health Zambia with support from Christian Connections for International Health is working with staff across departments at Kanyama Level 1 Hospital to build awareness and confidence in recognizing and responding to mental health concerns through the Mental Health Buddy System initiative.
The Buddy System is a peer-learning program that pairs mental health volunteers with staff from other hospital departments. Currently, six trained mental health volunteers are working with seventeen staff members through structured weekly learning cycles.
During the first week, volunteers introduce their buddies to basic mental health concepts, common conditions, early warning signs, screening tools used in the Mental Health Unit, and referral pathways. In the second week, trained staff share what they have learned with colleagues in their departments, spreading awareness and reinforcing learning. From the third week onward, new staff are introduced to mental health concepts, trained staff mentor others, and volunteers continue to provide guidance gradually embedding a culture of mental health awareness throughout the hospital.
Facklin Musanje, Mental Health Unit Coordinator for Kanyama Sub-District, highlights the impact of the initiative:
“We are grateful to Access to Health Zambia for impacting the way we care for patients. It is important for all health workers, even those not specialized in mental health; to have basic knowledge so they can identify conditions early. The Buddy System has been extremely helpful, allowing staff from different wards to recognize patients in need and refer them to the Mental Health Unit for appropriate care. I hope this initiative continues for a long time.”
For staff participating as buddies, the program has benefits them beyond the hospital walls:
“We are grateful to Access to Health Zambia for this initiative. The knowledge we have gained helps us identify mental health issues not only in patients at the hospital but also in our families, enabling us to refer them to the Mental Health Unit for the right care.”
By fostering peer learning and collaboration, the Buddy System is helping make mental health an integral part of patient care. With improved identification, timely referrals, and stronger collaboration between departments, this initiative is strengthening mental health care at Kanyama Level 1 Hospital and ensuring that patients receive the attention and support they deserve.
