Zimbabwe on Monday commemorated the World Mental Health Day which was held under the theme “Making Mental Health a Global Priority”.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
This year’s celebrations saw presentations from experts, and what are now known as Persons with Lived Experiences formerly, Mental Health Users.
Presentations were about Bipolar Disorder, Obbessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, trauma, and substance abuse, a menace in the nation.
Officiating the commemorations, Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro said it was important to recognise the high demand of mental health services across the globe which are however insufficient.
“This day presents an opportunity for people with mental health conditions, advocates, Government, and health organisations to come together and make mental health a reality in Zimbabwe. Mental health is critical for the well being of all. Across the world, mental health needs are high but responses are inefficient and inadequate. We must really understand that the requirements are quite massive,” he said.
He also said Government is committed to the adjust the environment that shapes the mental health environment.
“I am pleased with the progress Zimbabwe is making as a country as evidenced by the Zimbabwe Mental Health Initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Health in partnership with other mental health implementers.
” As government of Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care, we have taken heed of calls for all stakeholders to work together to deepen the value and commitment given to mental health. We want to reshape the environment that influence mental health and strengthen the system that cares for mental health,” Dr Mangwiro said.
Dr Mangwiro also mentioned that the Mental Health Gap intervention program meant to train non-specialists to deliver care is being done in Zimbabwe.
“Through the special initiative for mental health, great strides have already been made and more is being done to improve mental health care in Zimbabwe. It’s worth the while to mention the ongoing MH-GAP training in Zimbabwe which is aimed at improving mental health care,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of UN Zimbabwe resident coordinator Mr Edward Kallon, World Health Organization Zimbabwe Mental Health Specialist Dr Debra Machando said the COVID-19 pandemic worsened mental health conditions around the world as evidenced by many losing jobs as well as being forced to alter their way of doing things.
“While the COVID19 pandemic took and continues to take its toll on the public, World Mental Health Day 2022 is providing is with an opportunity to rekindle our efforts to protect and improve mental health. The COVID19 pandemic has created a global crisis of mental health fueling shortages, and long-term stresses and undermining the health of millions across the globe. Estimates put the rise in anxiety and global stresses at more than 25 percent during the first year of the pandemic. At the same time, mental health has been severely disrupted, and the treatment gap continues to widen,” she said. “Growing social and economic inequalities, violence and public health emergencies affect populations threatening progress towards improved mental wellbeing. A staggering 84 million worldwide were forcibly displaced in 2021. We must deepen the value and commitment we give to mental health as individuals, communities and governments. And we must match that value with more commitment, more engagement, more investment by all stakeholders across all sectors. We must strengthen mental health care so that the full spectrum of mental health needs is addressed. How? Through community-based networks accessible, affordable and also improving the quality of mental health services as well as support.”
