To mark World Mental Health Day 2026, GAZHP Health and The YANA Foundation are launching a nationwide mental health essay competition open to students across Zambia's public and private universities and higher education institutions.

More than an academic contest, the competition gives young people a safe, meaningful platform to reflect on and share their experiences of mental health — whether personally lived or observed in others — while helping to break the stigma that still surrounds it.

"Prioritising Student Wellbeing: Breaking Stigma and Navigating Mental Health Pressures in Zambian Higher Education"

What it's about

The World Health Organization's theme for World Mental Health Day 2026 is "It Is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace." For university students, the higher education environment is their workplace — academic demands, performance expectations, financial pressures and uncertainty about the future all mirror the challenges of professional life. Entrants will be invited to explore the cultural, social and systemic pressures affecting student mental health in Zambia, and to propose practical, community-focused solutions institutions could adopt.

Who can enter

The competition will be open to students at all recognised public and private higher education institutions across Zambia — including the University of Zambia (UNZA), the Copperbelt University (CBU), Mulungushi University, Eden University, Cavendish University and others. To protect participants, essays may be submitted under a pseudonym, with identities managed confidentially by a designated competition coordinator.

Recognition

  • Top entries will receive cash prizes and mentorship through the combined professional networks of GAZHP Health and The YANA Foundation.
  • Every eligible participant will receive a co-branded digital Certificate of Participation for their academic portfolio and CV.
  • Winning essays will be published across GAZHP Health's international platforms and The YANA Foundation's national media channels.

Key dates

  • National launch: August 2026
  • Awards & winners announced: World Mental Health Day — 10 October 2026

Full entry details — including the essay brief, word limit, prizes and how to submit — will be announced in August 2026. To be the first to hear when entries open, follow us or get in touch.

GAZHP runs initiatives like this to amplify young Zambian voices and build a culture of openness and support around mental health. You can also read about our 2025 Youth Mental Health Essay Competition.