Zambia awareness walk for older people living with dementia accused of witchcraft

‘Dementia is a disease, not witchcraft.’

‘Protect our elders; educate your community.’ 

‘Stop the stigma—support, don’t accuse.’

by Chloe Prendergast
in collaboration with Anderson Simfukwe, the founder of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Zambia (ADDIZ).

9 September 2025

Last month, an advocacy group in Zambia initiated an awareness walk campaign with support from INAWARA’s seed funding program.

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Zambia (ADDIZ) organised a three kilometre walk through the CBD of Nakonde, accompanied by banners, flyers, media amplification, and a live brass band. The event was hailed a success, having attracted over 300 participants, including healthcare professionals, dementia advocates, community leaders, and families affected by dementia. ADDIZ predicted that the media broadcast of the event reached about 2 million people across the nation - what a monumental achievement!

The participants walked to raise awareness and address the harmful witchcraft accusations against older people living with dementia, particularly in rural communities of Zambia. ADDIZ’s mission is to reduce stigma and promote human rights for dementia patients and people living with cognitive impairments.

Some of the exciting outcomes from the day included:

• Educational messages were spread throughout the day by key speakers. ADDIZ built on their messages by also handing out flyers.

• An impressive eighty percent of participants pledged to educate others in their communities.

• The Ministry of Health agreed to integrate dementia education into health programs. The National Assembly discussed potential legislative reviews that would protect the elderly.

In the words of Anderson Simfukwe, the founder of ADDIZ:

The awareness walk was a resounding success, fostering crucial conversations about dementia and combating dangerous superstitions. With sustained efforts and partnerships like INAWARA’s, we can create a safer, more informed society for older adults. This walk marked a milestone in Zambia’s fight against dementia stigma, showcasing ADDIZ’s leadership and INAWARA’s invaluable support. Together, we are transforming perceptions and safeguarding vulnerable elders.

Members of ADDIZ

ADDIZ intend to continue their advocacy efforts by taking educational workshops into high-risk communities and collaborating with law enforcement to prevent future elder abuse associated with witchcraft accusations.

INAWARA would like to extend our thanks to all organisers, participants, and attendees. Awareness campaigns such as ADDIZ’s are crucial in preventing human rights abuses associated with witch accusations and ritual attacks.

Special mention to the brass band for being particularly loud and impressive in their messaging – it was a highlight. See and hear it for yourself: