Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati has encouraged the public especially men to seek psychosocial support when they are facing various challenges.

Kaliati said this when she officially opened the Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) Counseling Center in Zomba.

She said Covid-19 has come along with mental health issues hence the need to get counselling in order to reduce cases of suicide.

“You know we have been having suicide cases in Malawi and the counseling center is paramount in addressing such issues,” Kaliati said.

She also said the Counselling Centre will also help other people that have been challenged like gender based violence, child marriages or even marital dispute among others.

On his part, YONECO executive director, MacBain Mkandawire said the Counseling Centre which has been built with funding from Irish Embassy, will accommodate walk-in clients that seek counseling services at the organization.

Kaliati, who was accompanied by Irish Ambassador to Malawi Seamus O’Grady and Trocaire Country Director, also toured YONECO ICT Centre, Tithandizane Helpline Services and YONECO FM studios.