Strengthening Disaster Response Saint John of God Presents Mental Health Findings to DoDMA

When Cyclone Freddy devastated communities in Blantyre and Mulanje, Saint John of God Hospitaller Services, with support from KNH Luxembourg, responded with a vital mental health initiative. Recognizing that true recovery goes beyond physical rebuilding, we implemented Interpersonal Therapy for Groups (IPT-G) to help survivors process trauma, grief, and depression. This evidence-based approach provided a safe space for healing, empowering individuals to regain emotional strength and rebuild social connections.

To ensure long-term impact, we conducted a groundbreaking study on the effectiveness of IPT-G in treating Cyclone Freddy-related depression. The findings, which highlight the critical role of mental health support in disaster recovery, were recently shared with Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA). During a meeting with Commissioner Charles Kalemba and Chief Disaster Management Officer Natasha Mbengo, we discussed how these insights can shape future disaster response strategies nationwide.

This collaboration marks an important step toward integrating psychosocial care into Malawi’s disaster preparedness plans. By addressing both immediate and long-term mental health needs, we’re helping communities build true resilience. Survivors are not just reconstructing homes they’re restoring hope, dignity, and a sense of possibility for the future.

At Saint John of God Hospitaller Services, we believe recovery begins with healing hearts and minds. Cyclone Freddy left deep scars, but through partnerships, research, and compassionate care, we’re proving that even after the storm, brighter days lie ahead. Join us in supporting this vital work as we help communities rebuild from the inside out.

CHRISTIAN BLIND MISSION (CBM) CEO VISITS SAINT JOHN OF GOD HOSPITALLER SERVICES

Following the successful implementation of the project, Promoting Equal rights, Inclusion, and Community Engagement for Persons with Disabilities in Lilongwe Rural, Mzimba North and Karonga Districts, with funding from Christian Blind Mission (CBM). The project, which was implemented from January 2022 to December 2024, has made remarkable strides in improving the lives of children and youth with disabilities.

The project registered many successes, including assessing, treating, and rehabilitating 1,637 children with disabilities (962 males and 675 females), surpassing the target of 1,450. Among them, 831 children (458 males, 373 females) achieved significant health and developmental milestones, such as walking, sitting, and standing with minimal or no support. Additionally, 334 youths with disabilities (218 males, 116 females) received vocational training in carpentry, bricklaying, and tailoring, with 197 (142 males, 55 females) securing piecework or self-employment after receiving start-up tools a 59% success rate among graduates.

The impact of SJOG’s work was so profound that CBM’s CEO, Dr. Rainer Brockhaus, travelled from Germany to witness it firsthand. During his visit on March 12, 2025, he praised SJOG’s dedication and the transformative outcomes of the CBM-funded project. In his remarks, Dr. Brockhaus reaffirmed CBM’s commitment to disability inclusion and pledged continued partnership, calling SJOG’s efforts “a model of sustainable change.”

ADVOCACY MEETING WITH THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL WELFARE

Saint John of God, in collaboration with Tikondane Child Care and KinderNotHilfe (KNH), hosted the Parliamentary Committee on Community and Social Welfare. This committee is responsible for addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable groups in Malawi, including children, youth, persons with disabilities, women, and the elderly.

During the meeting, the team, led by Saint John of God’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Charles Masulani-Mwale, presented a policy brief titled “The Potential Generation Bomb: A Forecast of the Consequences of Failing to Address the Welfare of Street-Connected Children.” The brief highlighted the alarming reality that there are at least 15,000 street-connected children in Malawi, with over 20% being girls living in harsh and unsafe conditions.

The advocacy meeting was timely, as it coincided with Parliament’s deliberations on the upcoming annual budget for the government’s fiscal year. Among the key policy recommendations presented was the need for increased budgetary support to refurbish and operationalize the Lilongwe Rehabilitation Center. Additionally, the team proposed establishing similar facilities in Blantyre and Mzuzu to provide safe havens for street-connected children in these cities.

The Lilongwe Rehabilitation Center, which has not received government funding for the past two years, is currently in a dire state. The proposed funds would address both the center’s refurbishment and its operational costs, ensuring it can effectively serve vulnerable children.

The team also emphasized the importance of capacity building and resource allocation for District Social Welfare Officers, who play a critical role in ensuring children are not forced onto the streets. Furthermore, they urged the committee to address the push and pull factors that contribute to the problem. Push factors include the harsh economic conditions faced by many families, while pull factors include practices such as the distribution of alms, which inadvertently encourage children to remain on the streets.

In his presentation, Chimwemwe Limani, Country Director for KinderNotHilfe, highlighted the impact of climate change on the issue. “The southern region of Malawi has been severely affected by cyclones and floods, leaving many families unable to recover. This has led to an increase in the number of street-connected children. Establishing an operational rehabilitation center in Blantyre is essential to address this growing crisis,” he explained.

Hon. Savel Kafwafwa, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee, acknowledged the importance of the meeting, stating, “This interaction has been invaluable in helping the committee identify key issues to bring before the House. We are committed to ensuring that street-connected children receive the support they need to lead safer and more fulfilling lives.”

Dr Masulani-Mwale also shared how Saint John of God Umoza program that can be a model that can be followed since it programming has successfully transformed lives of children connected to the street to citizens contributing to the country as engineers, teachers and doctors some are even employees at Saint John of God.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts between government, NGOs, and stakeholders to address the plight of vulnerable children in Malawi. By implementing the proposed recommendations, the country can take significant steps toward safeguarding the future of its youngest and most at-risk citizens

FROM FRAGILITY TO FIRMNESS

The arrival of a new child is often a moment of celebration for a family, a time when joy fills the air and community gathers to share in the happiness. For Atupele Molesi, however, the birth of her third child, Zainab, signaled the start of unexpected and challenging journey. A journey full of emotional toll bringing her face to face with harsh realities.

“Instead of receiving support, I was met with judgment and isolation. It was a painful time and I often felt completely alone. Instead of seeing the beauty of a new life, all people saw was a child who was different. It was hard to bear” Molesi recalls with despair.

The hurt of being judged and whispered about was constant. She describes how, with every glance, she could feel the weight of people’s disapproval. “It was as though the community, which should have been a place of love and support, had turned against me,” she says.

Zainab was born with a condition affecting the growth of the skull (medically called Hydrocephalus), leaving her in pain and her future uncertain and her mother’s heart heavy with a mix of love and concern. Hydrocephalus is a rare disorder, requires both immediate and long-term medical attention, something that Molesi was determined to secure for her daughter. “I just wanted to see my daughter grow like any other child,” she says softly. I wanted her to run and play without pain and have the same opportunities as every other child.

In search of hope, Molesi reached out to organisation’s that specialize in supporting children with rare medical conditions. Though Zainab underwent surgery at Mangochi District Hospital, she still needed extensive care which included long-term physiotherapy as part of her recovery. Her journey took a positive turn when Zainab was enrolled in a programme designed to rehabilitate children with disabilities.

“When I first learned about the initiative, I felt hope in a way that I hadn’t felt in months,” Molesi says with her face brightening. “It wasn’t going to be easy but this programme offered something no one else could which was a real chance for Zainab to get the long-term care which Zainab needed.”

St John of God Hospitaller Services, with support from KinderNotHilfe (KNH), is running an Early Intervention project in Lilongwe. The project focuses on promoting and protecting the rights of children with disabilities and also provides essential support to them.

Zainab’s life began to change as the healthcare professionals from St John of God worked tirelessly to provide the necessary care that she needed. “Each child’s journey is unique but with early intervention, we can give them the support they need to thrive. Zainab has made remarkable progress. She has gained more control over her body and is becoming more independent.” says Precious Nkosi Phiri, Physiotherapist at St John of God. She further states that physiotherapy is more than just exercises.  “During our physiotherapy sessions we focus on building strength, improving balance and increasing the range of motion. If a child has difficulty with fine motor skills, we use specific exercises to improve coordination and dexterity,” Phiri further elaborates.

From the very start of the Zainab’s enrolment in the programme, her progress has been noticeable. Phiri stresses the importance of parental involvement in the healing process: “We teach parents simple exercises to reinforce what we work on in the clinic. Consistency is key to making progress.” Molesi has taken on the role of Zainab’s physiotherapist at home, where the comfort and familiarity of their surroundings provide a foundation for healing. She understands the importance of patience and persistence. “The journey for her full recovery will take a long time and I have made peace with this but I also know that with my love and dedication no road is too hard to travel” she says. Zainab’s progress has been slow but certainly undeniable. “Every day, I see her becoming stronger. I never thought I would witness some of the milestones she has already achieved,” Molesi reflects with a mix of joy and disbelief.

In addition to her mother’s support, Zainab is fortunate to have Levison Kumchulesi, her stepfather, by her side. His dedication to the family is unwavering, even in the face of ridicule from their community. “I will always be there for her, no matter what others say. People may have opinions about our situation but my focus is on what is best for Zainab,” Kumchulesi asserts.

His care for Zainab goes beyond physical therapy he is deeply involved in managing her medical appointments and ensuring she continues to receive appropriate care. In the program by St John of God, the process of identifying children who need specialized care begins with careful outreach.

Ndaonga Mkandawire a medical rehabilitation technician at St John of God explains how the programme works as follows. “Through community visits, outreach clinics and engaging stakeholders such as healthcare practitioners from health centers, clinics and hospitals across Lilongwe. We also train volunteers within various communities of Lilongwe to recognize signs of disabilities in children. Whether physical, cognitive or developmental. These volunteers help us connect with families who might not be aware of the services available to them.”

‘Without the dedicated network of volunteers, many children would miss out on the vital early care that make all the difference,” says Mkandawire. For children with disabilities, every small step towards recovery is a monumental achievement. From their first independent movement to their first word, each milestone is a testament to the boundless potential within every child. Molesi sees the positive changes in Zainab every day. Finally for the dedicated physiotherapists, rehabilitation technicians, volunteers and parents working behind the scenes, there is no greater reward than witnessing a child achieve something once thought to be impossible. They say each milestone is a triumph not only for the child but for everyone involved in their journey.  

GRADUATION AND HANDOVER CEREMONY TO YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES IN T/A TSABANGO

As one way of promoting equal rights and inclusion for persons with disabilities, we provided vocational skills training to 40 youth with disabilities to empower them economically. The training focused on tailoring, which was their vocational choice. Thirty-seven youths graduated, comprising 11 males and 26 females, representing a 92.5% completion rate. Three individuals dropped out due to physical ill health and distance, comprising 2 males and 1 female. The beneficiaries who completed the training have been organized into six working groups, each allocated with start-up tools. This training was possible because of financial support from our partner Christian Blind Mission (CBM).

The graduation took place on July 4, 2024, at Ceyca Hall in the area of T/A Tsabango. Thirty-seven youths with disabilities and other vulnerable individuals received their certificates of attendance in tailoring and design. The certificates were presented by the SJOG Program Manager (Lilongwe Service) Dr. Mwawi Ng’oma and the Senior Chief Representative. About 90 people attended, including parents/guardians of the beneficiaries, Area Development Committee members, a Social Welfare representative, a Lilongwe District Disability Forum representative, a Ward Councillor representative, and the Senior Chief Representative. Start-up tools were also presented to the groups of beneficiaries, including 7 sewing machines, cotton fabric, polyester fabric, sewing threads, tape measures, machine oil, and sewing needles to support the initiation of tailoring shops in their various communities.

Brothers of Saint John of God and Inauguration at St. Augustine Community House in Lilongwe Area 43

PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE: HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS WORKSHOPS

Globally, May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. In alignment with this important cause, Saint John of God Hospitaller Services, one of the leading mental health organizations in Malawi, organized a Mental Health Wellness Workshop. The events took place on May 9th, 2024, in Lilongwe and on May 16th, 2024, in Blantyre, targeting Human Resource practitioners and personnel involved in Corporate Social Responsibility. The aim was to prioritize mental health in the workplace and foster collaboration with various organizations to improve access to mental health services.

Lilongwe Workshop Highlights

The Lilongwe workshop commenced with a presentation by Dr. Mwawi Ng’oma, the Programs Manager of the Lilongwe Service, who outlined the various services offered by Saint John of God Hospitaller Services. This was followed by a General Mental Health talk led by our Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Ndumanene Devlin Silungwe, which constituted the main part of the workshop. Dr. Silungwe emphasized the importance of mental health in the workplace and the need for organizations to develop comprehensive mental health policies. He highlighted the low investment in mental health services in Malawi, which he described as a significant risk to the nation’s development goals, including Vision 2063.

Dr. Silungwe stressed that recent economic, health, and environmental shocks, such as devaluations, COVID-19, and Cyclone Freddy, have exacerbated mental health challenges, directly impacting productivity. He urged stakeholders to increase their investment in mental health services to ensure sustainable production and fruitfulness.

The final presentation in Lilongwe focused on a donation drive, led by Psychologist Ms. Vimbayinashe Chibambo, who shared potential areas for collaboration with organizations as part of their corporate social responsibility in the mental health space. The workshop concluded with a heartfelt thank you to the 73 participants from 40 organizations who contributed to the success of the event.

Blantyre Workshop highlights

The Blantyre workshop, held at the National Bank Leadership Center (Moneymen), echoed the themes discussed in Lilongwe. Dr. Silungwe reiterated the necessity for the corporate world to develop mental health policies and increase investments in mental health services. He pointed out that inadequate attention to mental health could hinder Malawi’s development.

Dr. Silungwe highlighted the impact of mental health challenges on productivity, noting that mental health issues often lead to decreased worker efficiency as employees are preoccupied with personal and external catastrophes. He advocated for a proactive approach, where companies focus on mental health policies and seek professional help for affected employees rather than resorting to dismissals.

In a separate interview, Mathews Banda, the Human Resource Manager for the Centre for Social Concern, Research, and Environmental Development (CSCRED), praised the workshop as an eye-opener. He observed that mental health challenges at workplaces are frequently overlooked, leading to increased turnover and reduced productivity. Banda emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and support for employees facing mental health issues.

The half-day workshop in Blantyre attracted human resource practitioners, managers, and those responsible for corporate social responsibility from various organizations, reinforcing the message that mental health is a crucial component of a productive and sustainable workforce.

Moving Forward

30 Years of Mental Health Services in Malawi

On 3^rd October 2023, Saint John of God Hospitaller Services organized an Open Day aimed at celebrating its 30 years of work in providing mental health services in Malawi. The event had over 50 high-level dignitaries from Government, partner organizations, international organisations, the private sector and the media. The theme of the event was: ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human right.’

The event began with remarks from our CEO, Dr Charles Masulani, followed by presentations from our Programs Manager (Mzuzu Service) Christopher Mhone who highlighted the History, Programs and Projects that Saint John of God Hospitaller Services has done and continues to pursue. Additionally, Dr Mwawi Ng’oma (Programs Manager Lilongwe Service) shared information about what the service is doing in mental health research by presenting maternal mental health interventions. After the two presentations, the dignitaries were given an opportunity to visit the pavilions, which showcased all the programs and projects that Saint John offers.

During the event, we had 12 pavilions displaying all our mental health and psychosocial services, which include our two mental hospitals, outpatient departments, psychosocial services which comprise our stress clinic, employee wells program and others. Furthermore, we also displayed pavilions of our early childhood development programs which include: the Portage project, Elvira Special Needs school, Umoza Children’s project, as well as other services like our College of Health Sciences, Institute of Vocational Training and JOG Enterprises and other projects supported by our partners Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Save the Children and KinderNotHilfe (KNH).

Cyclone Freddy

In March last year, Malawi experienced one of its worst disasters in history. According to the UN, over 625,000 families were displaced many being children and women, with a death toll of over 500 and over 500 people still missing. The Department of Disaster Affairs of Malawi (DoDMA) highlighted the need for “Mental Health and Psychosocial services to the affected areas, especially to the survivors, and frontline health workers, as there was no one providing these services.  As a leading organisation in the provision of mental health services in Malawi, we answered the call and this led to our first humanitarian project with support from KinderNotHilfe Luxembourg

Broken Crayons Mental Health Event At Chipasula Secondary School

Saint John of God Hospitaller Services and Broken Crayons organized a mental health awareness event at Chipasula Secondary School. During the event, we reached over two thousand students on February 16th, 2024, and February 23rd, 2024. The event took place on these days to reach all the students since the school has two shifts, which alternate every week as morning and afternoon shifts.

The event was held under the theme: “Regardless of whatever you are going through, you still have purpose and value, just like broken crayons still colour.” The program of the event consisted of mental health talks and music performances. The mental health talks were delivered by our Psychosocial Counsellor Auston Kayala and Nurse Charles Ndawala and the music performances by artists who are part of the Broken Crayons team. Mr Kayala gave a talk on the negative effects of drug and substance abuse and how to manage stress on both days. While Mr Ndawala gave a talk on understanding mental health and mental illnesses on February 16th. On the 23^rd of February, Mr Chikondi Matenda delivered a talk on understanding mental health and mental illnesses.

The main objective of this event was to promote mental health awareness, youth empowerment, and address crucial topics among students. Head Teacher of Chipasula Secondary School Mrs Ireen Kawale said, “She was impressed with the organisation of the event and issues regarding mental health and youth empowerment are very relevant to the students of Chipasula Secondary School.”