Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS the Chief Executive Officer – Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), urged the Government, private sector, and stakeholders to join in the efforts to foster better mental health in the country as he spoke during his Keynote speech at Strathmore University in observance of the Mental Awareness week.
This comes after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and the Office of the Ombudsman had highlighted the situation on the mental health in the country stating that 95 percent of Kenyans do not have access to mental health services
In 2021 WHO pointed out that 1 out of 4 persons who seek healthcare in Kenya have a mental health condition, additionally, they highlighted the growing concern of the number of people dealing with depression in the country. Kenya has been facing a rise in mental health concerns in recent years and the lack of proper response channels for such issues is one that is concerning. In many communities in the country, there is not a clear understanding and knowledge of mental health and that it can and should be treated. As more lawmakers turn to talk about coming together to combat loneliness the theme for this year’s week.
It is important to also cover an aspect of the problem that is lack of knowledge and therefore more should be focused on educating the masses on what exactly mental health is and the possible symptoms. Approach OKC rehab for help and support regarding this and contact them to avail their services to cure the mental illness.
If you are or know someone dealing with any of the issues mentioned above, please contact the following numbers for help.
Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation
EMKF’s suicide prevention hotline is 0800 723 253.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Kenya (CBT-Kenya)
+254 739 935 333 or +254 756 454 585.
Mental Wellness Kenya
+254 717 234 621.
