UNICEF, ministry, EFA empower clubs on mental health

MBABANE – Local football clubs were educated on mental health issues during a workshop held at the United Nations Head Offices in Mbabane on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

The Ministry of Health National Mental Health Focal Person, Sindiso Bhembe, stated during her presentation that Eswatini is the second-leading country in Africa for reported suicide cases.

She noted that a Global School Survey carried out in 2025 revealed that one in four pupils aged 13 to 17 had attempted suicide more than once.

“We approached around 790 pupils and they said they are affected by depression and anxiety. This statistic includes the young players you are grooming to one day represent the country in the World Cup,” Bhembe said.

She highlighted that mental health issues do not only affect older people, as distress often begins at age 15 and younger.

“We also discovered that most of the youth said they are lonely, which is dangerous,” she added.

The National Mental Health Focal Person further requested the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) to allocate a small wellness office to help those going through mental health challenges.

“There should be community-based activities in the four corners of the country to help fight this challenge,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, EFA Executive Member and Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA) Chairman Dr Comfort Shongwe thanked the ministry for organising the workshop for the clubs, noting that football provides the right platform to drive the message home.

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