October 10 2016, Nairobi – The government of Kenya today joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s World Mental Health Day under the theme: “Psychological First Aid: Preserving Dignity in crisis response”, at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi. The event was presided over by the Director of Medical Services (DMS), Dr. Jackson Kioko on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Cleopa Mailu. Also in attendance was the WHO Country Representative, Dr Rudolf Eggers.

Speaking at the event, Dr Kioko emphasized on all-time preparedness and responsive humanitarian actions and support during emergency settings, with a holistic focus to both physical and psychological wellbeing. He said this would contribute to the National Global commitment for attainment of highest standards of health for Sustainable Development Goals.  

The DMS noted that members of the public can learn basic skills to help people with mental health problems. He noted that mental health first aid brings mental health promotion closer to families and communities and teaches them how to intervene and care for persons with mental disorders in a humane and dignified way. He reported that the ministry is fully committed to implement the National Mental Health policy and ensure strategic investments in mental health, including mental health promotion and prevention and care for mental and neurological illnesses from the community to specialized care level. He directed the Kenyatta National Hospital to strengthen the integrated specialized mental health services to all persons seeking services in the hospital and using the life course approach. He concluded by highlighting the governments recognition and emphasis on capacity building in Psychosocial First Aid.

In his remarks, the WHO Country Representative Dr. Rudolf Eggers said that the World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness of mental health issues across the globe and also mobilize efforts in support of mental health. He went on to commend the government for prioritizing mental health, as just three months ago, the country launched the first Mental Health Policy, a great indication of strong leadership and commitment by government in addressing mental health and related issues including: equity; respect for the inherent dignity and human rights of people with mental disorders; psychosocial disabilities; and the protection of vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Dr. Eggers said that crisis events involving exposure to trauma and sudden loss occur in all communities of the world. Brutal conflicts in numerous countries currently destroy the lives of more than 100 million people with more than 60 million people displaced. He reiterated that psychological first aid is feasible and appropriate during crises and should be complemented with other essential mental health and psychosocial activities. Orientation in psychological first aid gives responders a framework on how to respond in a natural, supportive and practical manner, he said. 

The WHO Country Representative reported that in the African Region, due to poor investment and limited professionals in the area of mental health, psychological first aid is not always available when a crisis arises yet it has been incorporated into disaster preparedness in other parts of the world. Building on this experience, national disaster management authorities are encouraged to consider having teams ready who could travel to disaster-affected regions to orient local first responders in psychological first aid when disaster strikes, he said.

He informed the congregation that since 2011, WHO has been conducting training courses in Psychological First Aid and has developed manuals including Psychological First Aid, Problem Management Plus (PM+) and Building Back Better-Sustainable mental health care after emergencies to guide countries as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness and response to humanitarian crises. He urged the country to use these manuals to train more people to be able to perform psychological first aid during emergencies. 

“Indeed the investment in psychological first aid is part of a longer-term effort to ensure that anyone in acute distress due to a crisis is able to receive basic support,” he said. Dr. Eggers also called upon the government to ensure improved access to mental health and social services for those who need more than psychological first aid.

Others who made remarks at this function included Dr. Mutie representing Director, Kenyatta National Hospital, Dr. Njuguna, Director of Mental Health and Dr. Kigamwa representing the department of mental health at Kenyatta hospital.

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For more information, contact: 

Kenya Country Office, 4th Floor
ACK Garden House, 1st Ngong Avenue Off Bishops Road
P.O. Box 45335, 00100(GPO); Nairobi, Kenya
GPN: 35003
Email: afkenwr [at] who.int