Hope Begins Next Door: Campaign Urges Zambians to Check on Their Neighbours

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA– Behind the smiles people wear every day, many are carrying burdens that no one sees.

Some are struggling to cope with unemployment. Others are weighed down by financial hardship, broken relationships, addiction or grief. For many, these challenges develop into depression and other mental health conditions, yet they continue to suffer in silence, afraid of being judged or misunderstood.

It is against this backdrop that Zmai Social Care Foundation, in partnership with Support A Woman of Valor (SAWOV), launched the "Check Your Neighbour Campaign"—a community-driven initiative encouraging Zambians to look out for one another and help restore hope to those battling mental health challenges.

The campaign, launched in Lusaka, seeks to promote compassion, reduce stigma and encourage communities to become the first line of support for individuals experiencing emotional and psychological distress.

Speaking during the launch, SAWOV President Mirriam Mumba said depression has become a growing concern that cuts across all segments of society, affecting people regardless of their age, social standing or economic background.

She observed that many people silently battle emotional and psychological challenges caused by poverty, unemployment, marital disputes, addiction and other life pressures.

According to Ms. Mumba, one of the greatest challenges is that many individuals do not seek help because they fear being judged, rejected or misunderstood.

"Many people are silently carrying emotional pain," she said. "Some have reached a point where they lose hope and even contemplate taking their own lives because they feel they have no one to talk to."

She explained that the "Check Your Neighbour Campaign"encourages ordinary citizens to regularly reach out to those around them, listen with empathy and connect individuals in distress with the help they need.

"It costs nothing to ask someone how they are doing," she said. "Sometimes, that simple conversation can make the difference between hope and despair."

Ms. Mumba called on churches, traditional leaders, youth groups and community organisations to actively participate in the campaign, saying mental health is a shared responsibility that requires collective action.

And meanwhile Zmai Social Care Foundation President Charity Chongo, addressing mental health begins with eliminating the stigma that prevents people from seeking support.

She said many people continue to hide their struggles because they fear discrimination or being labelled as weak.

"Mental health challenges should be treated with the same seriousness as physical illnesses," Ms. Chongo said. "People should feel safe to ask for help without fear of ridicule."

She also appealed to mobile network operators to support the initiative by introducing toll-free counselling lines that would enable people experiencing emotional distress to access professional assistance regardless of their financial circumstances.

She added that this initiative could become a lifeline support for individuals who may otherwise suffer in silence.

And Philanthropist Sanjeev Sharda added that society often underestimates the healing power of kindness and human connection.

He urged families, churches and communities to become safe spaces where people can openly discuss their struggles without fear of judgment.

"Many people are carrying invisible burdens," he said. "Listening with compassion and showing genuine care can transform someone's life."

Cybersecurity analyst Beatrice Mwansa described the campaign as timely, noting that mental health challenges continue to affect people across every profession and community.

She said increased public awareness would encourage more people to seek help before their conditions become severe.

Meanwhile, Zmai Vice President Emmanuel Kafula said the initiative seeks to strengthen community support networks capable of identifying vulnerable individuals early and ensuring they receive appropriate assistance.

He noted that neighbours are often the first to notice changes in behaviour and are therefore well placed to offer encouragement or refer someone to professional services.

Mental health experts increasingly agree that addressing depression requires more than clinical services. It also demands communities that are willing to listen, understand and support those who are struggling.

Campaign organisers hope the initiative will inspire Zambians to move beyond casual greetings and begin meaningful conversations with neighbours, friends and relatives who may be experiencing emotional distress.

As the campaign gains momentum, its success may ultimately be measured not by the number of events held, but by the lives touched, the stigma reduced and the people who find the courage to seek help because someone took the time to ask, "How are you?"