National Clinical Guidelines For The Management Of Common Mental Disorders Launched
Dr Patrick Amoth
By MKT Reporter
The Ministry of Health has launched Clinical Guidelines for Management of Common Mental Disorders to ensure access to comprehensive, integrated, and high-quality mental health services at all healthcare levels.
Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth stated that mental disorders remain among the top ten causes of disease burden worldwide, with no evidence of global reduction since 1990.
The guidelines aim to improve treatment and access to mental health services, reducing the suicide mortality rate in Kenya.
Dr. Amoth said that in Kenya, evidence shows a staggering 42% of individuals seeking care in primary health facilities have symptoms of severe depression, with an estimated national prevalence of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety at about 10.3%.
Senator Hamida Kibwana encouraged Kenyans to seek help when it comes to mental health matters, highlighting that mental disorders affect many people at individual levels and should not be associated only with those behind mental facilities.
“Two sectors that are normally neglected when it comes to mental health are the police officers and expectant women who lose their babies,” observed the Senator.
The guidelines focus on the most prevalent mental disorders based on national trends and aim to increase awareness, reduce stigmatisation, and provide a healthy environment for people to speak about their health matters without fear.
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