Communications

Archdiocese of Lilongwe and St. John of God Partner for Three-Year Mental Health Initiative

by Communications Lilongwe Archdiocese

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, in collaboration with St. John of God, has reaffirmed its commitment to reaching marginalized rural communities struggling with mental health challenges.

 

The commitment has been made today by the Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe, His Lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa following the successful launch of the three-year “Me-Health” project.

 

Bishop Mwakhwawa touring pavillions with other invited guests
Bishop Mwakhwawa touring pavillions with other invited guests

 

The initiative aims to integrate mental health services into the primary healthcare systems of Archdiocesan health facilities.

 

Funded by the Episcopal Conference of Italy, the project will be implemented across three deaneries of Dowa (Mtengowanthenga and Chezi), Mchinji (Guillime and Ludzi) and in Lilongwe (Namitete, Nambuma, and Mlale).

 

 

Speaking during an interview, Bishop Mwakhwawa expressed hope that the project will raise awareness in rural areas noting that many villagers still experience stigma, failing to recognize that those with mental health conditions deserve the same dignity as any other person.

 

The Bishop also emphasized that the project focuses on knowledge sharing, a strategy designed to ensure the services remain sustainable long after the initial three-year implementation period ends.

 

Bishop Mwakhwawa, the problem in Malawi is that people do not recognise that they have these problems
Bishop Mwakhwawa, the problem in Malawi is that people do not recognise that they have these problems

 

His Lordship extended his gratitude to the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of Italy for their generous support towards the success of the project.

 

The event commenced with the Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa.

 

 

Chief Executive Officer of St. John of God Hospital, Dr. Charles Masulani, said the hospital intends to increase the accessibility of mental health services while bridging the gap in human resource capital specialized in psychiatric care.

 

Dr Masulani, we want to increase mental health service accessibility
Dr Masulani, we want to increase mental health service accessibility

 

Representing the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Madalitso Makhalira thanked the Catholic Church for its dedication to assisting the government in reducing healthcare challenges, citing the Me-Health project as a model of effective partnership.

 

Makhalira, we are great full for the partnership
Makhalira, we are great full for the partnership

 

Senior Chief Chiseka highlighted the importance of mental health support for traditional leaders, noting that such assistance is vital for chiefs to exercise their duties with integrity.

 

TA Chiseka, Chiefs also need mental health services
TA Chiseka, Chiefs also need mental health services

 

The Me-Health project has been officially launched today, April 16, 2026, at Mlale Community Hospital. The initiative is slated to run for three years.