As infectious diseases have become better-controlled in Zambia, the country has seen the emergence of non-communicable diseases, including mental health disease. Mental health disorders include a broad range of conditions including trauma, anxiety, depression, and alcohol and drug abuse. They contribute to substantial mortality and morbidity in the country in both direct (suicide, intoxication, and accidents) and indirect ways since mental health problems and use of substances can increase the spread of infections like HIV and tuberculosis. Recognizing this growing challenge and the need to support the Ministry of Health (MOH) in its efforts to tackle mental health disorders, CIDRZ developed a new avenue of research. During 2019, CIDRZ formally established itself in the field of mental health, fueled by two (2) multi-year grants (described below) from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and through partnerships with mental health experts in Johns Hopkins University and in collaboration with psychologists at University Teaching Hospital and policymakers at MOH.

Future directions:
As an emerging leader in mental health in Zambia, CIDRZ is now interested in further implementing treatments like CETA in helping MOH integrate screening and treatment of mental health into existing parts of the health system, and in answering key public health questions. Also, several other departments within CIDRZ have already reached out to the mental health unit to learn how to strengthen mental health capacity.