By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The number of people receiving mental health treatment is estimated at 15 percent in Uganda projecting a mental health treatment gap to 85 percent.
Dr. Kenneth Kalani Okware, an official from the ministry of health blamed this gap on lack of awareness and alternative explanations linked to mental illness in the country.
“Our society link mental illness to certain behaviors to very many alternative explanations for instance they can say you’re cursed, they can call it witchcraft, possession and so many things. Depending on which explanation is taken that will determine what kind of care or treatment you will get and that ultimately delays care, ” he said.
Kalani was speaking as the Chief Guest at the launch of the Bliss Magazine by LEM Mindfulness at Serena Hotel Kampala on Thursday December 14, when he said that some faith and traditional healers are taking advantage of the already desperate people fleecing them of their money yet they need mental health treatment.
He appealed to Ugandans to desist making health facilities their last resort when conditions are complicated after being extorted by self-seeking pastors and traditional healers.
Speaking at the launch of the magazine, Elizabeth Okello, the president Uganda Counselling Association (UCA) called for efforts to embrace professional counselling in respect for provision of counseling services on mental illness.
According to Okello, mental health contributes significantly to Uganda’s disease burden with its prevalence at 5.3 percent. She suggests for establishment of social support groups as a strategy to confront mental health challenges such as trauma, stigma, anxiety and depression among others.
On the other hand, Dorothy Mutabazi, a representative from Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) commended LEM Mindfulness for developing an initiative to respond to increasing cases of mental health.
Pointing out similar initiatives like development of wellness hub and other programs to empower employees with sharing culture and to support financial professionals (ACCA students) to deal with stressful lives and enhance their wellness, Mutabazi expressed the association commitment to support LEM Mindfulness activities on mental health awareness.
During the event, the chief guest, Dr. Kenneth Kalani launched a digital magazine (Bliss Magazine), a publication of LEM Mindfulness and other partners like Beyond Impact Nepal which will be shared freely to all students in lower secondary schools and higher institutions of learning for free across the country.
Martin Bakundana, the team leader at LEM Mindfulness said in a separate interview that the magazine provides basic understanding of mental health and will work as an inspiration to learners to not only learn about mental health but also write articles that will in return inspire others in to dream big and deal with insurmountable challenges.
Additionally, Bakundana disclosed LEM Mindfulness goal to establish at least 6 mental health clubs in schools per month nationwide starting from next year.
