Message from the Minister of Health- Dr Frank Anthony Guyana Shines a Light on Mental Health on World Mental Health Day

On October 10, 2023, Guyana marked World Mental Health Day in solidarity with the global community. The aim this year is to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and emphasize the importance of mental well-being for everyone. The theme for this year’s observance is “Mental Health is a Universal Right,” which highlights the need for a compassionate and understanding society.

In recent years, Guyana has made significant progress in the field of mental health. The Parliament passed two modern mental health legislations to provide protection, care, and treatment to individuals with mental illnesses based on a human-rights framework. The outdated Mental Hospital Ordinance of 1930 which was replaced by the Mental Health Protection and Promotion Legislation, and the Suicide Prevention Legislation, have decriminalized suicide in Guyana.

The new laws aim to replace the institutionalization of patients with a more community-based psychiatry approach. The decentralization principle has led to the provision of specialized psychiatric services in various regions, and Tele-Psychiatry Services are now available in specific communities. The Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit is currently providing training to doctors and nurses using the WHO Mental Health Gap (mhGap) program, which equips primary healthcare providers with the skills necessary for early diagnosis and management of mental health illnesses.

In addition, the Ministry of Health will collaborate with various stakeholders to raise awareness and educate the public on mental health. The Ministry is also set to launch a new national strategic plan for Mental Health soon, which will guide their efforts for the next five years.

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, PAHO, and UNICEF, has introduced the “Friendship Bench” program aiming to support the mental health of school students. This initiative provides counselling and guidance to young people who need someone to listen to their concerns. The program will initially be piloted in twenty-five schools across Guyana.

At today’s launching of the program, Minister Frank Anthony emphasized the importance of mental health as a crucial aspect of overall well-being. He highlighted that it is a collective responsibility to create an environment where individuals can seek help without fear of discrimination or judgment. World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder of our commitment to this cause.

Let’s encourage everyone to participate in the various activities and initiatives organized on the occasion of World Mental Health Day. By coming together and creating a supportive community, we can make significant progress in promoting mental health and well-being in Guyana.

For more information on World Mental Health Day activities in Guyana or to get involved, please contact the Mental Health Unit at 225 0804 or the Psychiatric Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) at 227-8241/227-8245.

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