Mental Health to take priority

THE goal for this year’s Mental Health Day is to deepen the value and commitment we give to mental health as individuals, communities and governments. 

These are the sentiments of the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the world observes Mental Health Day today. WHO says that this value is to match with more commitment, engagement and investment by all stakeholders, across all sectors.

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“We must strengthen mental healthcare so that the full spectrum of mental health needs is met through a community-based network of accessible, affordable and quality services and supports,” they said.

Furthermore, WHO said stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier to social inclusion and access to the right care. 

“Importantly, we can all play our part in increasing awareness about which preventive mental health interventions work, and World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to do that collectively. We envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted and protected – where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise their human rights, and where everyone can access the mental healthcare they need,” they said. 

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In continuation with their mission, WHO announced that they will be working with partners to launch a campaign around the theme of Making Mental Health and Well-Being for All a Global Priority. 

“This will be an opportunity for people with mental health conditions, advocates, governments, employers, employees and other stakeholders to come together to recognise progress in this field and to be vocal about what we need to do to ensure Mental Health and Well-Being becomes a Global Priority for all.”