Displacement and trauma often place refugee adolescents and young people at higher risk of mental health crises. Refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and Rwanda in Zambia’s camps, including Mantapala and Maheba, face unique challenges due to their distinct cultural backgrounds, histories of prolonged displacement, and the specific conditions of these camps. Unlike some other refugee settings, these camps have limited integration into national health and education systems, creating barriers to access essential mental health services.
The mental health needs of refugees often go unmet due to various factors. Many refugee adolescents struggle with language barriers, as the majority speak Swahili, French, Arabic or Lingala, making it difficult to navigate Zambia’s predominantly English- and Bemba-speaking mental health services. The psychological impact of displacement further compounds these challenges – many young refugees have fled conflict, experienced or witnessed violence, and suffered the loss of family members. These cumulative experiences manifest in post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety, which remain largely unaddressed due to inadequate mental health infrastructure and specialised support, as well as cultural stigma surrounding mental health.
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