Nairobi, Kenya – (African Boulevard News) – A group in Kenya is advocating for increased awareness and access to treatment for mental health issues in the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people worldwide will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives, and yet mental health remains a significantly neglected area of healthcare in many parts of Africa, including Kenya.
“I didn’t know what I was going through, so all my life I have been feeling different, I have faced a lot of stigma and discrimination because most people around me didn’t understand what I was going through,” said Jane Achieng, a Kenyan who has been living with depression for several years.
The group, known as Mental Health Advocates Kenya (MHAK), aims to tackle the stigma associated with mental health and promote understanding and empathy among the general public. They believe that by raising awareness, they can help individuals like Achieng get the support and treatment they need.
“We need to break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and yet it is often overlooked or brushed aside,” said Peter Mwangi, a member of MHAK. “By promoting awareness and encouraging conversations about mental health, we hope to create a more inclusive society where individuals can seek help without fear of judgment.”
The group also emphasizes the need for increased access to mental health services and treatment options. Currently, mental health services in Kenya are limited and largely concentrated in major cities, leaving many individuals in rural areas without access to necessary care.
“We need to invest in mental health services at all levels, from training more mental health professionals to establishing community-based mental health programs,” said Dr. Mary Auma, a psychiatrist at a local hospital. “Early intervention is crucial in addressing mental health issues, and we need to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location or socio-economic status, can access the help they need.”
MHAK is calling on the government, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations to work together to address the gaps in mental health care in Kenya. They believe that through collective efforts and increased investment in mental health, the country can improve the lives of millions of individuals who are currently suffering in silence.
As the prevalence of mental health disorders continues to rise globally, it is crucial that countries like Kenya prioritize mental health as part of their overall healthcare agenda. By raising awareness and advocating for better access to treatment, MHAK hopes to eradicate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health and create a more supportive and inclusive society for all.
