Its Project Manager, Janet Mambulasa, told Zodiak Online Thursday in Phalombe that the situation endangers the well-being of these individuals, as they struggle to find the support they need due to prevailing stigma and discrimination in their communities.

 Mambulasa said the organization's mission is to connect individuals who have recovered from mental illness with various stakeholders in their areas to enhance their well-being and self- sufficiency while supporting their continued recovery.

"Many individuals with mental illness possess valuable skills and, when stable, can contribute to their own livelihoods," said Mambulasa.

Meanwhile, mental health coordinator at Phalombe district health office, Lontiya Nyumwa, has called for financial support to reach people with mental issues in the district, as inadequate resources have hindered their efforts.

"As a district, we are failing to conduct outreach clinics with mental health patients due to inadequate resources," lamented Nyumwa.

She said they have been failing to conduct outreach clinics for a year now, owing to financial constraints.

According to Phalombe district health office, the district hospital cares for more than 1,200 active patients, with some discontinuing treatment to challenges such as Tropical Cyclone Freddy and long distances.