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Wezi Mhango, Postgraduate Researcher in the School of Psychology

Wezi, a postgraduate researcher in the School of Psychology, was one of two winners of the , for her game-changing work in mental health among pregnant young people in Sub-Saharan Africa. The £1,000 Adam Weiler Awards recognise researchers who demonstrate the potential to make a lasting, positive impact with their studies. Find out more about Wezi and the impact she hopes her work will have:

I live in Malawi, a country with one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates. My PhD research focused on the mental health of adolescents during pregnancy and one year after childbirth. Pregnant young people in Malawi are more likely to experience stigma, low social support, and financial challenges than their non-pregnant peers. These challenges compounded by a lack of mental health services pose increased risks for mental health problems. I developed an intervention to equip pregnant adolescents with coping strategies to help them effectively navigate the challenges they face and improve their mental wellbeing.

I hope my research will contribute towards improved maternal and child outcomes, especially among young people in Malawi. Due to the scarcity of mental health professionals in the country, as well as limited knowledge of mental health issues among other health professionals, most cases are either missed or misdiagnosed. I believe my research has contributed to strengthening the existing healthcare systems by training healthcare workers on the possible causes, symptoms, prevention, and management of common mental health problems among pregnant adolescents. 

The University is an ideal setting for holistic learning. Not only does Sussex offer a vibrant academic environment, but there are different social events planned all year round that can help one build a community and have a good work-life balance. My colleagues, as well as the staff, are really great and very supportive.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. If I am not trying out new arts and crafts ideas with my son, I am most likely cooking, and watching or listening to true crime documentaries. And if there is an opportunity to travel to a new place for a holiday, I am definitely taking it.

I am working on engaging stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the opportunities for improving my work and scaling it up in Malawi, as I would like to explore the topic I’m currently working on further. I also look forward to collaborating with other researchers working in the field of adolescent maternal mental health in low and middle income countries.