Zimbabwe's military has expanded mental health and rehabilitation programmes for troops deployed in high-pressure operations, with Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri describing psychological support as a key pillar of military welfare.
Speaking in Parliament, Muchinguri-Kashiri said the Zimbabwe Defence Forces had strengthened counselling services before, during and after deployments to address the psychological impact of military operations.
The minister was responding to a question from a legislator who sought clarity on measures being taken to support the welfare, mental health and reintegration of defence personnel exposed to traumatic missions.
"The Directorate of Army Social Services conducts pre-deployment counselling before deployment and during operations to physically and mentally prepare deployees," Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
She told Parliament that medical teams are integrated into recruitment, training and operational activities to provide ongoing physical and psychological support to serving members.
According to the minister, post-deployment counselling is now mandatory, particularly for personnel returning from stressful or traumatic assignments.
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"After every deployment, there is a prerequisite that the Directorate of Army Social Services conducts post-deployment counselling to a group of members who experience the same challenges," she said.
Muchinguri-Kashiri cited Zimbabwe National Army personnel who endured the siege at Ikela in the Democratic Republic of Congo during Operation Sovereign Legitimacy, as well as troops deployed to Mozambique, as examples of personnel who received counselling and rehabilitation services.
She said members diagnosed with mental health or medical conditions are treated through military health facilities, with government funding covering their care and recovery.
The minister also highlighted the role of dedicated rehabilitation centres, including Tsanga Lodge in Nyanga, where affected personnel receive specialised support before returning to family life or being assigned less demanding duties.
"At these centres, the Directorates of Social Services and Medical Health Services jointly provide rehabilitation services to the affected members before they are reunited with their families or redeployed in other less demanding areas," she said.
The expanded support comes as militaries worldwide place greater emphasis on mental health care for personnel exposed to combat, peacekeeping missions, disaster response operations and other high-stress environments.
Zimbabwean troops have participated in several regional security operations over the years, including missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Southern African Development Community deployment in Mozambique.
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