Forty-year-old Kiliyoni Msiska, a married father of two, lives in Kamphandira Village, Traditional Authority Kafuzira, in Nkhotakota District.
For many years, people with mental illnesses in this area had little understanding of mental health, limited access to care, and few opportunities for social or economic inclusion.
These challenges fuelled widespread stigma and discrimination, leaving many patients isolated and misunderstood.
Msiska is one of the formerly mentally ill individuals who experienced that painful reality.
“I faced a lot of discrimination from people in my village. They said I could not mix with them because I was mentally ill,” he recalls.
His life began to change after receiving counselling and literacy training through a three-year project titled “Passing and Supporting: Building Tactics for Community Mental Health Care.” The initiative, funded by Comic Relief and implemented by Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) in partnership with Zomba Mental Hospital, aims to promote recovery and community reintegration for people with mental health conditions.
“Now I am able to mix with everyone. I sit and eat together with others,” says Msiska with a smile.
With support from his Village Savings and Loans (VSL) group, Msiska and other members decided to venture into pig farming.
“We did some piecework to raise money, and after saving enough, we bought a pig. It’s now about to have piglets,” he explains proudly.
For Msiska, the project has not only restored his mental health but also rebuilt his confidence and dignity.
His in-law, Catherine Chisa, says life was difficult for Msiska before he began receiving care through the programme.
“He was often sad and depressed. People used to insult him, and as his relatives, it affected us too. But we stood by him and continued giving him support,” she says.
Today, Kiliyoni Msiska is a living example of how access to mental health care, counselling, and community inclusion can transform lives—helping those once forgotten to return to normality, dignity, and hope.
