University of Cape Town

Natalie Ndabambi is a Global Changemaker and emerging leader in mental health advocacy with a background in Psychology and Public Mental Health. Her work focuses on advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3: “Good Health and Well-being.” She actively promotes mental health literacy in low-resource settings through awareness campaigns, community engagement, and co-creating sustainable interventions aimed at preventing and treating mental health conditions.

In addition to her advocacy, Natalie works as an Academic Research Assistant and has contributed to research projects on substance use and treatment. Her research interests include common mental health conditions including, substance use disorders and suicidal ideation, with a particular focus on addressing disparities affecting vulnerable and marginalised groups.

For her MPhil in Public Mental Health, she is investigating the psychosocial factors contributing to mental health conditions among sexual minorities in Zimbabwe, where institutionalised discrimination heightens vulnerability. Through this work, Natalie seeks to fill a critical gap in the literature and hopes her findings will inform the prioritisation and provision of mental health care and support for this underserved population.