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Momodou
Denmark
11787 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Oct 2007 : 22:33:43
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Mental Health Day Commemorated
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
October 10, every year, the world over, World Mental Health Day is commemorated and this year’s theme is “Mental Health in a changing world: The impact of culture and Diversity”.
According to the statements read by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Representative to the Gambia, Dr. Nestor Shivute and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tamsir Mbowe on the day, it is indicated that this year’s theme further reiterates that fact that but with emphasis on bringing the world’s attention to trans-cultural mental health services and treatment. The WHO Representative said that World Mental Health Day is an annual campaign and a golden opportunity for all of us, irrespective of who we are, where we are and what we do, to reflect on the plight of the mentally ill, and to take the necessary action for the promotion of the mental well-being of our communities.
Dr. Shivute said the day is not only dedicated to awareness raising on mental issues, but it is about taking the right decisions, putting the right policies in place and taking the appropriate actions at all levels for the prevention and control of mental and neurological disorders. Dr. Shivute said The Gambia is in the forefront in mobilizing the much needed policy support for the promotion of mental health in the country. “The development of a mental health policy and a strategic plan is a clear testimony of the Department of State for Health’s resolve to improve the mental well-being of the Gambian community”, he said.
The WHO Representative said what is now left it to raise the necessary resources for the realization of the goals and ideals contained in these policy document. He stated that it will be recalled that last year we focused attention on Building Awareness-Reducing Risk, Mental illness and suicide; that poor Mental Health Status of our populations can lead to negative health implications.
Dr. Shivute, however, said it must be emphasized that just as health is not merely the absence of disease, mental health is also not simply the absence of mental disorder, but represents a positive state of mental well-being and no meaningful health can be achieved without positive mental well-being.
“We do not have to conduct any scientific research to establish these facts as some of these changes are just at our door steps,” he said. In the mental health care setting, culture impacts on how people label and communicate distress; explain the causes of mental health problems; perceive mental health providers, and utilize and respond to mental health treatment.
On his part, Dr. Mbowe said understanding and tolerance of all cultures and lifestyles is crucial in the delivery of competent mental health care. He said in 1948, following the devastation of world war II, the founding document of World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH) called for a world community based on “respect for individual and cultural differences. It proclaimed the goal of mental health as the ability to “live with one’s fellow in one world”. He said by advocating equal treatment and opportunity for all, regardless of culture, ethnicity or socio-economic status, and including refugees, mentally ill persons and women, the new federation challenged the values and practices of traditional and authoritarian societies. “The underlying message is that health and well-being cannot survive either, the violation of basic freedoms or the deprivation of basic needs,” he noted.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 120/2007, 12 - 14 October, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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