WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA — Elago Nantana, chairperson of The Delivery Room Foundation, a spiritual and mental health clinic, has initiated a 321-kilometer solo trek from Okahandja to Walvis Bay. This endeavor, themed ‘A Walk of Mental Peace,’ aims to address the significant mental health challenges that have escalated among men post-COVID-19, including rising suicide rates.

According to Namibia Press Agency, who spoke to Nampa outside Arandis on Saturday, this trek is his third of such nature and is meant to inspire men to openly discuss their mental health issues. “We have seen a troubling rise in men committing suicide, feeling depressed, hopeless, and without purpose. There seemed to be no superhero to lift them up, so Delivery Room decided to take action,” he stated. Nantana’s efforts are also deeply personal, having battled depression, alcohol, and drug abuse himself.

In 2022, Nantana commenced his first significant walk from Oranjemund to Katima Mulilo, a journey he describes as a symbolic gesture to encourage men to persevere through hardships. This was followed by another in 2023 to Ohangwena, in response to the alarming suicide rates among men. Through these walks, Nantana shares videos and personal stories to foster resilience and hope.

The current trek, which began over a week ago, sees Nantana averaging 30 kilometers per day, with about 200 kilometers covered at the time of the interview. He camps overnight during the walk and is expected to arrive in Walvis Bay by Wednesday, where he plans to engage with men about mental health challenges and support.