MUBAS Vice-Chancellor, Associate Professor Nancy Chitera, said the university established an annual Mental Health Week in recognition of the psychosocial challenges that staff and students face, with the aim of promoting mental health awareness and well-being.

Chitera said the initiative helps prevent suicide cases among the student population by improving access to mental health support services.

“We have introduced a number of interventions, including engaging external psychologists, to ensure that our students and staff have access to support whenever they experience mental health challenges,” said Chitera.

Activities marking the day included a march from Chichiri Roundabout, along Masauko Chipembere Highway, to Ginnery Corner Roundabout. During the march, participants shared messages of encouragement and urged people experiencing mental health challenges to seek help and support.

The activities continued with sporting competitions, including a pulsating tug-of-war contest between MUBAS students and police officers, which the students won. The students also triumphed in a football match against a combined team of MUBAS staff and police officers.

Commenting on the sporting activities, Chitera said sports provide an important outlet for relieving stress, particularly among students who must continuously navigate the pressures of academic life.

South West Police Region Commissioner Frank Kumukumu commended the cordial relationship between the MUBAS community and the police, reaffirming his officers’ commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students both on campus and in surrounding communities.

Kumukumu noted that police officers, like other members of society, also experience psychosocial challenges, making collective efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues important.

He urged students to avoid drug and alcohol abuse, warning that these behaviours can contribute to mental health challenges.