Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) in partnership with Busia County Department of Health and sanitation have kick started plans of integrating mental health into different programs and activities within the County.
Speaking during a meeting at a hotel in Busia town, yesterday, AMPATH Program Manager for Maternal Health, New born and Child Health Innovations, Justus Elungata, said that the move is to address the gaps in terms of mental health.
“We have agreed to look into integrate mental health, as well as focus on the needs in the County and how our organization can help in terms of capacity building of staff, referral systems and other aspects that require attention, ” he said.
Elungata noted that adolescents and healthcare providers are among those affected by the condition.
He pointed out that a number of locals feared seeking help from health facilities due to stigma, adding that certain issues can be addressed before they turn into mental cases.
Busia County Community Health Services Coordinator, Emmanuel Luvai, said that the County should focus and initiate dialogue on mental health promotion through the media.
In Kenya, it is estimated that one in every 10 people suffers from a common mental disorder.
