The Zimbabwe OCD Trust is an advocacy trust founded in 2018 by Angelica Mkorongo a Zimbabwean Service User with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The Trust seeks to raise awareness of the existence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and its associated disorders with the goal of improving the quality of life among communities affected directly or indirectly by the disorder. In addition, the trust will be involved in developing a robust advocacy campaign to reflect the awareness problem and policy prioritization gap in OCD diagnosis and treatment interventions.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a disorder that is little known in Zimbabwe and hardly spoken about. Although some people know of the symptoms, they are usually associated with superstitious beliefs, witchcraft, evil spirits, supernatural healing powers.
The work that has been done so far was mainly to raise awareness of the disorder through social media, talks with different groups, radio talks, workshops. A lot more needs to be done. A support group with 32 members used to meet once a month before COVID -19 pandemic. We still give each other support on WhatsApp.
1. Psycho-social support to individuals who suffer from OCD and its associated disorders, anxiety and depression through
- Counselling services
- Support groups
- Mobilization and training of peer educators
- Support hotline
- Creative therapies such as dance, art and music
- Development of a resource directory with information and referrals to Mental Health practitioners and support systems
2. The provision of life skills in order to enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from OCD and related disorders, anxiety and depressions. This will be through training on communication, problem solving, critical thinking, interpersonal relationships, and social skills.
3. Mental Health Rights advocacy engagement with religious leaders, community leaders and duty bearers such as policy makers, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and local government.