Integrating mental health aspects into disaster and climate risk management strategies: policy lessons from cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe

Introduction Climate-related disasters increasingly threaten mental well-being, yet mental health remains insufficiently integrated into disaster risk reduction and climate change response strategies in many low- and middle-income countries, including Zimbabwe. Drawing on lessons from Cyclone Idai, this study explored the mental health impacts of the disaster and assessed the extent to which mental health aspects were incorporated into disaster preparedness, response, and recovery measures. Methods The study adopted a qualitative research approach within an exploratory case study design. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 purposively selected practitioners from government and non-governmental organisations in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts, Zimbabwe. Participants included social workers, psychologists, community health workers, and climate change and disaster risk reduction practitioners. Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Results The findings revealed that Cyclone Idai survivors experienced severe mental health challenges resulting from bereavement, disrupted livelihoods, food insecurity, worsening poverty, and forced migration. Reported mental health burdens included depression, anxiety, anger, sleeping disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study found that mental health support services were absent from disaster preparedness and recovery planning, while post-disaster support was short-lived and inadequate. The findings also revealed a lack of policy guidelines for mental health support within disaster risk and climate risk management strategies at both national and sub-national levels in Zimbabwe. Discussion The study shows that integrating mental health into disaster and climate risk management is important for holistic risk management, integrated preventive action, effective response measures, and the strengthening of psychosocial resilience. It points to the need for policy guidelines that support the assessment of mental health vulnerabilities and establish mechanisms for early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, and sustained psychosocial support before and after climate-related disasters. Such an approach can strengthen mental health resilience and improve access to appropriate resources that promote mental health and well-being in the context of disasters and climate change.