Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah M. Barasa has called for increased investment in mental health to address the rising mental health burden in Kenya. During a recent visit to Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital, Dr. Barasa emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the prevention, care, and treatment of mental health conditions, aligning with the government’s universal health agenda.
“Mental health is a key priority under our universal health agenda,” Dr. Barasa stated. “There is a pressing need for expanded access to mental health services across the country, and this requires significant investment and policy development.”
Currently, only 19 out of Kenya’s 47 counties have dedicated mental health facilities, highlighting a substantial gap in service provision. Dr. Barasa reiterated her commitment to advancing policies that will enhance mental health treatment and care nationwide. She underscored the necessity for an integrated approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies to effectively tackle mental health challenges.
Tour of Mathari Hospital
Dr. Barasa made her remarks during a tour of Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital, the largest mental health facility in Kenya and the East African region. With a bed capacity of 800 patients and a staff of 350 healthcare workers, Mathari Hospital plays a critical role in the country’s mental health landscape. Dr. Barasa interacted with patients, staff, and the management of the facility to assess the level of service delivery and explore areas for improvement.
The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Julius Ogato, highlighted several challenges facing the institution, including insufficient funding and a lack of a functional referral system for mental health cases. He noted that mental health currently receives only 0.04% of the total health budget in Kenya, a figure he described as woefully inadequate given the scale of the problem.
“There is an urgent need to increase expenditure on mental health,” Dr. Ogato said. “We also need affirmative action in the training of specialists to boost the number of qualified professionals in this field.”
Challenges in Mental Health Services
Dr. Ogato pointed out that the limited number of mental health facilities and professionals has resulted in long waiting times and inadequate care for patients. The shortage of trained mental health professionals remains a significant barrier, with many Kenyans lacking access to essential services. Dr. Ogato also stressed the need for a comprehensive referral system to streamline patient management and improve outcomes.
A “whole of society” approach is critical to overcoming these challenges, Dr. Ogato emphasized. He called for increased public sensitization to combat stigma associated with mental health conditions, noting that poor health-seeking behavior among Kenyans is a major obstacle to timely and effective treatment. Many people with mental health issues are reluctant to seek help due to fear of discrimination or lack of awareness about available services.
The Path Forward
To address these issues, Dr. Barasa highlighted the government’s plan to develop and implement policies that will expand mental health services across the country. This includes increasing funding, enhancing training programs for mental health professionals, and improving public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek help.
“Mental health is not just a medical issue; it’s a societal issue that requires collective effort,” Dr. Barasa noted. “We must work together to create an environment where every Kenyan feels safe and supported in accessing the care they need.”
Dr. Barasa’s visit to Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital underscores the government’s recognition of mental health as a critical component of national health priorities. Her call for greater investment and a coordinated approach to mental health care is a crucial step towards addressing the growing mental health burden in Kenya, ensuring that more people can access the care they need.
As Kenya moves forward, the focus on mental health will be essential in achieving the broader goals of universal health coverage and improving the overall well-being of its citizens.
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