Autism Awareness Day in Lusaka Zambia

April is the month for Autism Awareness as so little is known about it.  In Zambia there are only 10 psychiatrists for the population of 14 million and 8 are based in Lusaka, so not much chance for people in rural areas.  The needs are being highlighted to the government so they can train more and provide services for the mentally ill and diagnose patients who have treatable conditions.

Sr Kay O’Neil shared that in Little Assisi, Lusaka, they train their own teachers and last month, one teacher attended the Pan Africàn Autism Congress in Nairobi.

On Saturday 20th April 2019, more than 700 people did the 2 or  5 km marathon walk accompanied by a band from St Andrews church.  After which, the staff in Little Assisi welcomed the First Lady of Zambia – Esther lungu and the Minister of Health – Dr Chitalu, who gave speeches.