By Francis Chipalo
Munali 2026 parliamentary candidate Chrispin Chiinda says it is worrying that majority of patients seeking mental – health relative treatment at Chainama hospital are young people.
And Chiinda has pledged to lobby government to restore the Zambia National Service (ZNS) its original task like it was years back.
ZNS was formed around 1964, initially as a military wing to among others, provide youth with skills training and support.
Over time, its role has evolved to include national development projects like infrastructure, agriculture, and disaster response.
But speaking during a luncheon in Lusaka where he was invited as a special guest owing to his stance on youth matters, Chiinda is of the view that ZNS should go back to what it used to be, primarily as a skills development institution for the youth.
Chiinda said a lot of young people roaming the streets can become useful individuals if taken for ZNS training for survival skills.
He said referring to the country’s youth as junkies is unfortunate, and further challenged fellow aspiring leaders to ensure that the status quo for young people changes.
Chiinda said Chainama, having young people as majority patients is unfortunate. He attributed the issue to bad lifestyles among the youth owing to insufficient empowerment opportunities.
The outspoken community leader also appealed to the church to play its role in addressing issues affecting young people.
He commended the organizers for the initiative of the luncheon.
The event hosted by Pastor Duncan of D’ Healing events and themed; “Taking Jesus to the street: Worship experience” was also attended by independent presidential candidate Given Katuta Mwelwa among others.