Appalled by the continued mental health challenges rocking the country’s citizens, the Poetry Association of Malawi (PAM)-Southern Region Chapter has organised a special poetry function where renowned poets will recite poems about overcoming mental health obstacles.
The function will be held on Sunday, 27 July 2025 at the Chichiri Museum in Blantyre.
PAM-Southern Region Chapter Chairperson Lukia Chikopa has indicated that the function will bring together poets such as Raphael Sitima, Sylvester Kalizang’oma, Hudson Chamasowa and Rhoda Zulu, just to mention a few.
Chikopa said through poetry, poets on the day will deliver messages of hope and healing to people suffering from mental health challenges.
“We have chosen this theme mainly because statistics are showing that a lot of country’s citizens are commiting suicide mainly because of mental health problems,” she said.
She said time has come for Malawians to accept that mental health challenges are no longer a myth but a reality.
“We should now focus on providing solutions or at least providing hope and direction where a solution is a bit difficult,” said Chikopa.
Apart from poems, patrons will also enjoy traditional dances and music.
One of the poets scheduled to perform at the function, Christon Mbingwani has expressed hope that Blantyre-based poetry fans will show up for the event.
“I am ready and I am very sure that my colleagues are ready as well,” he said.
Statistics obtained from the Malawi Police Service show that 153 people, mostly men, killed themselves from January to March 2025 alone.
Officials say most of the victims committed suicide due to mental health problems.
