The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for more investment by government into Mental Health.
This according to the organisation should be channeled into campaigns to raise awareness on how to manage mental health. The Strategy is the focus for this year’s World Mental Health day which falls Today, October 10.
Speaking at a first launch ahead of the day, the Country Director for World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Owen Laws Kaliwa, said it is known worldwide that 10 to 20% of children and adolescents suffer from mental disorders.
Globally, depression is the third leading cause mental illness and disability among adolescents while suicide is the secondary leading causes of death among those ages between 15 and 29 years old.
He added that in Africa region, it is estimated that 5% of the population age below 15 years suffers from mental disorder. Half of all mental illness begins by the age of fourteen but most cases go undetected and untreated. Also, children and adolescents in humanitarian setting are particularly vulnerable to mental illness and mental distress.
“Harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents are a major issue in many countries and can lead to risky behaviors such as unsafe sex and dangerous driving. Children and Adolescents with mental disorders often face stigma and limited access to health care and education all in violation of their human rights. Although African countries are making progress, I call upon governments to develop and strengthen evidence base program for young people,” he noted.
Story by: Mavis Arthur
