By Isatou Fofana
As part of efforts to integrate mental health into primary health care, the Ministry of Health through the National Mental Health Programme, with support from World Health Organisation (WHO) has embarked on a countrywide training on healthcare workers on mental health.
The initiative aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of non-specialised healthcare workers especially community health nurses in The Gambia, focusing on mental health conditions; such as depression, substance use disorders, schizophrenia, child and adolescent mental health conditions, self-harm and suicide, and dementia.
The Programme Manager of the National Mental Health Programme, Mame Jarra Marega delved underscored the importance of the capacity building, noting that training non-specialised healthcare workers; especially community health nurses on mental health, is essential for improving access to care, promoting early intervention and prevention, reducing stigma while providing holistic care, and enhancing collaboration among mental health professionals.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is crucial that we raise awareness and reduce stigma around the issue. It is important for individuals to seek help when needed, and for society to provide support and resources for those struggling with mental health challenges. By promoting mental health awareness, we can help create a more supportive and understanding environment,’’ she stated.
The Programme manager commended WHO for their continuous support towards integrating mental health into Primary Health Care, which she said will improve the availability, quality and accessibility of mental health care.
Mr. Momodou Gassama, the Programme Officer for Health Promotion and Social Determinants at WHO, also expressed belief that training will have a positive impact on the quality of psychiatric/mental health care provided by community health nurses in The Gambia.
Gassama laid emphasis on the importance of equipping these health care workers with enhanced knowledge and skills as WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme aims at scaling up services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders for many countries, especially low-income countries like The Gambia.
The National Mental Health Programme seeks to contribute to the overall well-being of communities, reducing the stigma associated with mental health problems, and fostering a more supportive healthcare environment.
