MENTAL HEALTH HAS ADVERSE EFFECTS: Dr OROTALOA
Participants at the Mental Health training. Photo credit: MHMS.
The Head of the National Mental Health Service, Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr Paul Orotaloa says mental neurological and substance use disorder can adversely affect the ability of children and adults to learn and function at home, work and in our society.
Dr Orotaloa made the statement at the end of the a three days workshop on World Health Organization Mental Health Gap Action Programme.
He says an important challenge is to reduce the stigma of mental health conditions, not only to enable increased access to care but also to enable people with mental health conditions lead full lives within their communities.
Dr. Orotaloa adds when someone has a physical illness it is natural for others to treat and care for them, adding people with a mental health illness should be treated and cared for, in the same way, with respect and dignity.