Sierra Leone Joins Global Community to Commemorate World Mental Health Day
Sierra Leone joined the global community in commemorating World Mental Health Day on the theme: mental health and Long Term Illnesses: The Need for Continued and Integrated Care. The day is commemorated annually to raise awareness on mental health issues. The day was observed with broadcast statement, a float parade and an a formal ceremony.
At the ceremony to commemorate the day statements were delivered by several stakeholders. Delivering a statement on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr Kissito Shek Daoh, Chief Medical Officer said that “the country’s civil conflict subjected many people to psychological and emotional stress”. The first national mental health survey in 2002 showed that the prevalence of depression and substance abuse was about 4% and that 1 in 6 Sierra Leoneans would have some form of mild depression. The government with funding from WHO has developed a mental health policy that integrates mental health services into primary health care and a strategic plan that addresses the issue of substance abuse particularly among youth. talks by the MoHS officials, families/relatives of patients and stakeholders. Statements were also delivered by other stakeholders including WHO and City of Rest.