By A Correspondent- Health and Child Care minister Dr Moyo said an estimated 1 million people in Zimbabwe suffer from mental or neurological disorders hence the need for awareness campaigns so that communities appreciate mental health issues.

Said Dr Moyo

“One in four people worldwide have been  affected by mental health or neurological  disorders at some point in their life. 450 million people suffer from mental and neurological disorders worldwide. One million people in Zimbabwe suffer from mental and neurological disorders.

“Despite the availability of treatment, nearly two thirds of persons with a known mental disorder never seek professional help. In most cases stigma, discrimination, neglect and limited knowledge prevent care and treatment from reaching people with mental and neurological disorders, hence the need for awareness campaigns so that communities are empowered and they take an active role in reducing morbidity due to mental ill health.” 

Dr Moyo said most people suffering from mental illness can be successfully treated in the comfort of their own homes as opposed to institutional care.

 “The Ministry intends to increase community based mental health care programme such as the Friendship Bench, currently at Health metropolitan, so as to offer clients a community based environment for effectively dealing with depression,” he said.

 “Children and the elderly best respond to care in familiar environments, this community based care is best for them.

“his strategy is calling out for collaborative approaches with other stakeholders to assure integrated accessible and effective rehabilitative services.”-StateMedia