Ministry of Health Launches the National Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Common Mental Disorders
The Ministry of Health has launched Clinical Guidelines for Management of Common Mental Disorders in the country in efforts to ensure that Kenyans have access to comprehensive, integrated and high-quality mental health services at all levels of healthcare.
Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth stated that mental disorders remain amongst the top ten causes of disease burden worldwide with no evidence of global reduction since 1990.
In a speech read on his behalf by Ag. Director: Directorate of Family Health Dr. Issack Bashir during the launch at a Nairobi Hotel, Amoth stated mental health literacy among primary health care workers remains low thus resulting in most mental disorders being undiagnosed.
“Research shows that most suicide victims have an increased number of visits to health centers weeks preceding their death,” mentioned Dr. Amoth.
He added that the guidelines aim to improve treatment and access to mental health services to Kenyans experiencing mental health issues which in turn will reduce the suicide mortality rate in the country.
Dr. Amoth said that in Kenya, evidence shows a staggering 42% of individuals seeking care in primary health facilities, have symptoms of severe depression with an estimated national prevalence of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety at about 10.3%.
Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana encouraged Kenyans to seek help when it comes to mental health matters saying
She pointed out that mental disorders affect a lot of people at individual levels and should not be associated only with those behind mental facilities.
“Two sectors which are normally neglected when it comes to mental health are the police officers and expectant women who lose their babies,” mentioned the Senator.
According to the guidelines, the community is tasked to ensure that each and every one is accounted for by advocating for policies that remove barriers to mental health services, increase awareness and eliminate stigmatization.
The guidelines focus on the most prevalent mental disorders based on national trends. Additionally, a systematic approach has been undertaken across the document covering issues such as diagnostic modalities and guidance on multidisciplinary approach to clinical decision making for comprehensive patient care.
The future of Kenya with the launch of the national clinical guidelines for management of common mental disorders is promising with the aim of increasing awareness on mental health matters, reducing stigmatization and providing a healthy environment where people will freely speak on their health matters without fear.
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Caption
Ag. Director Directorate of family health Issack Bashir addresses invited guests during the launch of the National Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Common Mental Disorders held on Tuesday September 10, 2024 at Serena Hotel in Nairobi.
