By Prisca Mashushu

Lilongwe, October 5, Mana: Ministry of Health is set to provide mental health services and professionals to primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions as one way of dealing with mental health issues in the country.

Ministry of Health Public Relations Officer, Adrian Chikumbe, said in an interview that the Ministry has decided to provide the service in education institutions due to the increased number of mental health cases in the country.

He said there is a great need for psychosocial support and government intends to identify primary and secondary school teachers that should be able to provide counselling and physiology first aid if an unusual behaviour is noted on children.

“Government is already providing counselling services to people in different health centres in the country and materials have already been distributed in all these centres to help people in dealing with mental issues.

“We are also doing mental health awareness in different parts of the country. For example, on October 10 every year, the country commemorates mental health awareness day,” he said.

Mental health expert, Chiwoza Bandawe, commended government for the positive attitude towards mental health in the country.

“Government attitude towards mental health has shifted greatly recently, a development which can help to construct more health facilities, train more qualified mental health professionals and introduce more faculty that deals with it to ensure more health professionals in schools, churches and hospitals.

“There is need for awareness starting from community levels to help people understand that it’s ok to have mental issues and open up to the right personnel to avoid increase in number of suicide cases in the country,” said Bandawe.

He, therefore, encouraged government to work with stakeholders such as community and church leaders as well as the media by introducing more mental health programs that can help people to be understood, obtain knowledge and be aware of mental health issues.