Zimbabwe's Friendship Bench mental health initiative wins prestigious KBF Africa Prize
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
Zimbabwe's Friendship Bench, a mental health initiative, has been awarded the 2025-26 KBF Africa Prize by the King Baudouin Foundation. The award, which includes a €250,000 grant and access to an international network, will be presented at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium. Founded in 2006 by Zimbabwean psychiatrist Dixon Chibanda, Friendship Bench addresses the country's mental health treatment gap by training community-based lay health workers, known as "Grandmothers," to provide structured talk therapy in accessible locations. Zimbabwe faces a severe shortage of psychiatrists, with only about 18 serving over 16 million people, and less than one percent of the national health budget allocated to mental health services. The program, which costs between US$13 and US$16.50 per client, is integrated into Zimbabwe's public health system and has been piloted in Malawi, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. Clinical studies have shown up to an 80% reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety among participants. Since its inception, the initiative has supported over one million people and trained more than 3,000 community health workers across 12 countries. Friendship Bench Zimbabwe chief executive, Esther Tumbare, stated the award will strengthen efforts to reach underserved communities. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, chairperson of the prize selection committee, described Friendship Bench as "a model of African innovation with global relevance."
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Must ReadZimbabwe aims to achieve US$1.56 billion in tourism revenue by 2026. The country is also seeking to boost its climate recovery efforts with a US$25 million initiative and is exploring membership in the AIIB for infrastructure funding, particularly in the energy sector. Additionally, Zimbabwe is looking to expand rabbit exports to African markets and is working on digitizing the Deeds Office to accelerate property transactions. Political tensions are noted, with concerns about Zanu PF's influence and a potential referendum. The ADF has urged South Africa to cease support for Zanu PF.
Must ReadZimbabwe is targeting a tourism revenue of US$1.56 billion by 2026. Other news includes political developments such as a Supreme Court declaration regarding a divorce consent dispute, discussions around the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 2026, and alleged financial power usage by Zanu PF to advance a one-party state agenda. Economic initiatives include an ambassador backing a rabbit export drive to African markets, a US$25 million climate recovery boost, and efforts by Ncube to secure infrastructure funding from AIIB. Social issues like political tensions leading to violence and forced evictions are also reported. Additionally, there are calls for Zimbabweans in South Africa to take precautions due to xenophobia, and an urge for South Africa to cease support for Zanu PF.
BreakingZimbabwe is experiencing political tensions, including violent attacks and forced evictions at grasslands plots, and concerns about a potential Zanu PF ambush towards a referendum. Economically, the country is positioning mining as a key driver for growth and foreign currency, with a US$650 million investment vision reinforcing confidence in long-term potential. However, mining chiefs warn that cost burdens are driving away capital. The nation is also setting wheels in motion for a US$25 million climate recovery boost and seeking a coordinated push to unlock air cargo growth. Other developments include the arrest in Zimbabwe of a suspect linked to the murder of Kruger tourists, and the election of Benza as Zanu PF Manicaland vice chairman. The Deeds Office digitization is speeding up property transactions, and Hwange schools have received bicycles and textbooks in an education access drive.