SJOG University joins Stakeholders to Commemorate World Mental Health Day

On 14th October 2026, our students and staff, alongside staff from Saint John of God Hospitaller Services, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu Central Hospital, Mzimba North District Health Office (DHO), the Malawi Defence Force, and other stakeholders, came together to commemorate World Mental Health Day under the theme “𝐿𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑑: 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠, 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒.”

The commemoration began with a big walk from Mzuzu Upper Stadium to Zolozolo Ground, bringing people together to raise awareness, promote understanding, and show support for mental health.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Charles Masulani, Vice-Chancellor of Saint John of God University, highlighted stigma and discrimination as major barriers to mental health care. He noted that people experiencing mental health conditions are often labelled, rejected, and excluded by their families and communities, which can discourage them from seeking professional help. He called for greater awareness, compassion, and understanding to challenge stigma and ensure that everyone feels accepted and supported.

Guest Speaker, Deputy Mayor Chiyembekezo Mvula, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of mental health awareness and the role of the community in promoting mental well-being.

The commemoration served as a reminder that every voice matters and every lived experience deserves to be heard. Through compassion, understanding, and collective action, communities can challenge stigma, encourage people to seek help, and create an environment where everyone feels valued, accepted, and supported.