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Increase in number of mentally ill in Zim

Cape Town – Zimbabwe Health Minister David Parirenyatwa says the country's continued economic hardships have contributed to the increase of people suffering from mental illness.

According to a Daily News report, an estimated 1.3 million Zimbabweans have some form of mental disorder.

Parirenyatwa said the continued deterioration of the country's economy together with drug abuse were the major causes of mental illness in the country.

The country has over the past months been faced with a serious liquidity crunch. Thousands of workers have lost their jobs as several companies either closed shop or downsized due to the harsh economic situation, according to reports.

Better ideas

Zimbabwe's economy entered a tailspin after the launch of controversial land reforms 14 years ago.

The report comes as opposition on Wednesday called on President Robert Mugabe and his government to step down. 

A New zimbabwe.com report quoted Tendai Biti of the MDC Renewal as threatening street protests if Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party refused to resign.

Biti accused the Zanu-PF government of running the country down through unbridled corruption and misrule. He said Mugabe should allow a new administration with "better ideas" to take over the running of the country.

Mugabe, who turns 91 in February, has ruled Zimbabwe for almost 35 years.

The veteran leader is currently in Addis Ababa for the African Union summit where he is expected to be appointed the continental bloc's new chair.

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