The Minister of Health, Mr. Selibe Mochoboroane has emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and the need for a supportive community.
Mr. Mochoboroane was speaking during the commemoration of World Mental Health Month held at Mohlomi Hospital in Maseru on Friday.
He expressed gratitude for the contributions from various organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Epilepsy Foundation in the quest to improve mental healthcare services in Lesotho.
On the same note, the WHO Representative to Lesotho, Dr Richard Banda said mental health is a universal right for everyone and recognising this fact is essential for promoting well-being.
Dr Banda said Lesotho has not been immune to this global mental health crisis, saying it has the highest suicidal rates in the world.
He said these high rates are a signal for a deeper problem that calls for collective action, adding that it is important to understand that mental health is not a matter of personal weakness but it is a legitimate issue that affects everyone directly or indirectly.
He noted that the country has taken some steps to address the mental health issue, however saying there is still more that has to be done.
The Director-General of Health Services, Dr Nyane Letsie echoed the same sentiments and urged everyone to continue working together to raise awareness about mental health, highlighting the importance of accessible and affordable treatment for those in need and that mental health should be a concern for everyone.
She stressed the significance of addressing mental health issues openly including discrimination, saying it is vital in a society striving for holistic well-being.
Also speaking, the Epilepsy Foundation representative, Ms. Nthabeleng Hlaele said their organization is dedicated to helping individuals with epilepsy and mental health challenges as a way of improving their lives.
In conclusion, she called on all stakeholders including the government and health workers to come together and make a difference by ensuring that mental health is integrated into their health systems.
Ms. Hlalele mentioned that the donation they are giving today of medication to Mohlomi Hospital will go a long way in supporting the hospital’s efforts to treat and provide sedation for those facing mental illness.
The event was a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion in Lesotho. It served as a reminder that the nation can support those dealing with mental health challenges and make a positive difference in their lives. The donations made by the Epilepsy Foundation to Mohlomi Hospital represent not only medical aid but also a gesture of care and understanding as well as giving hope to many in need
The theme for the commemoration is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.
By Staff Reporter: Noliwe Velaphe
