BY BILKE MULENGA, Department of Health, Zambia
John Mayeya will be remembered as a gallant solider of public health, mental health services and tobacco control.
Mayeya passed on tragically and suddenly on August 8, 2020 after succumbing to COVID-19.
Across Africa the tobacco control community has been reeling with shock after hearing about the death of a man that describe as a pioneer in all mental health services.
Mayeya was born on 6th May 1961 in Kitwe on the Copper belt Province of Zambia. He completed his primary and secondary education in his province of birth later did his tertiary education at Chainama College of Health Sciences in Lusaka, the Zambia’s most recognized institution for Clinical Officers and other Scientists, where he trained as a Clinical Officer- Psychiatry.
After graduating in the late 80s, he joined the Ministry of Health based at Chainama Hills Hospital. Here he was later transferred to the headquarters where he served as Mental Health Specialist and then promoted to Chief Mental Health Officer.
He was pioneer as coordinator in mental health programs at Ministry of Health Headquarters. He endeavoured to spearhead programs that sensitizing people against substances abuse including tobacco use and others that could cause Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Mayeya was passionate about mental health and tobacco control.
Mayeya championed the first ever Mental Health Policy of 2005 that led to the re-introduction of Mental Health in the National Health Strategic Plan. This culminated in the resource mobilization for Mental Health National Achievement. He spearheaded activities that led to the repeal of Mental Disorders Act of 1922 and the Draft and finalization of the Mental Health Services Bill which was enacted as a Mental Health Act No.6 of 2019.
Mayeya also pioneered the development of the Tobacco Control Bill in Zambia, which is yet to be enacted into law. He worked extensively on the international arena on the World Health Organization (WHO) – Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
He also pioneered the development of the National Alcohol Policy of 2018.
National Mental Health Coordinator Dr Francis Simenda, described Mayeya as knowledgeable in mental health with the practical and excellent management skills that propelled him to be a great leader. Mayeya, said Simenda, greatly contributed on the Tobacco Control programs which included, the Global Youth Tobacco Surveys.
“To friends and colleagues, he was known as John aka JM or simply One Jay. Simply because John was a man of distinguished velour in Mental Health.’
‘’Because of his great interpersonal skills, his listening and communication skills, problem solving, team abilities and networking across all races his colleagues at the Ministry of Health called him Bishop,’’ Dr Simenda said.
Tobacco Free Association of Zambia Executive Director Brenda Chitindi stressed that Mayeya was a mentor, a pillar and very committed in all Tobacco Control programs in the country.
‘’We shall live to fight all forms of tobacco use as we want to fulfill Mr Mayeya’s desire on the Tobacco Control and other Nicotine Products Control Bill 2018, for it to be enacted into law in our country,’’ she said. Mr Mayeya always said: “I will retire when the Tobacco Control Bill is enacted,” recalled Chitindi.
At Mayeya’s funeral, Fred Mwila, Human Resources Management Director at the Ministry of Health said Mayeya’s diligence made him serve in different positions. He was a very hard working officer and dedicated to his duties. His jovial and humble character made him live and cordially work with all his workmates well.
‘’He shall truly be missed not by his relatives but also by his friends and workmates at the Ministry of Health as well as other organizations where he was privileged to serve,’’ said Mwila.
Mayeya survived by his wife and three children.