Mental Health Services Are An Essential Part Of All Government Responses To COVID-19

Mental health is at the core of our humanity. It enables us to lead rich and fulfilling lives and to participate in our communities. But the COVID-19 virus is not only attacking our physical health; it is also increasing psychological suffering.

During this time of the coronavirus epidemic there is grief at the loss of loved ones, shock at the loss of jobs, isolation and restrictions on movement, difficult family dynamics and uncertainty and fear for the future. Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, are some of the greatest causes of misery in our world.

Throughout our lifes, we have been close to doctors and psychiatrists treating these conditions. We have became acutely aware of the suffering they cause. This suffering is often exacerbated by stigma and discrimination, which is absolutely unacceptable.

After decades of neglect and underinvestment in mental health services, the COVID-19 pandemic is now hitting families and communities with additional mental stress. Those most at risk are frontline healthcare workers, older people, adolescents and young people, those with pre-existing mental health conditions and those caught up in conflict and crisis.

We must help them and stand by them. Even when the pandemic is brought under control, grief, anxiety and depression will continue to affect people and communities. This is the background to the policy brief on COVID-19 and mental health that is in effect today.

Mental health services are an essential part of all government responses to COVID-19. The government has expanded and funded these services. Policies must support and care for those affected by mental health conditions, and protect their human rights and dignity. Lockdowns and quarantines must not discriminate against those with poor mental health.

As we recover from the pandemic, we must shift more mental health services to the community, and make sure mental health is included in universal health coverage. Kenya government is strongly committed to creating a country in which everyone, everywhere, has someone to turn to for psychological support.

That is why our governments, civil society, health authorities and others have come together to address the mental health dimension of this pandemic. The government has announce ambitious commitments on mental health.

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