Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening mental health and psychosocial support services in response to the rising number of mental health disorders and suicide cases across the country.
Presenting a ministerial statement in Parliament, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Hon. Mary Navicha described mental health as a critical public health and development issue that demands a coordinated response involving government, communities and development partners.
Navicha said worsening economic hardships, unemployment, family conflicts, gender-based violence, alcohol and substance abuse, as well as humanitarian emergencies, are among the major drivers of poor mental health. She noted that young people are increasingly vulnerable due to academic pressure, limited employment opportunities and cyberbullying, factors that have contributed to growing cases of anxiety, depression and suicide.
To address the challenge, the minister said Government has expanded mental health and psychosocial support services through nationwide community awareness campaigns, counselling programmes, psychological first aid initiatives and the development of a National Suicide Prevention Framework.
She added that teachers, social workers, police officers and community volunteers have been equipped with basic psychosocial support skills to improve access to mental health services at community level.
Despite these interventions, Navicha acknowledged that the demand for mental health services continues to exceed the country’s available resources. She said Government is now working to integrate mental health services into schools, workplaces, social protection programmes and community structures while scaling up the recruitment and training of mental health professionals.
She appealed to Members of Parliament to support increased investment in mental health programmes, emphasizing that stronger mental health services are vital to preventing suicide, improving the wellbeing of citizens and building healthier, more resilient communities.
