The Ministry of Health is set to launch a mental health and psychosocial wellbeing program targeted at children and adolescents.
This initiative aims to integrate mental health support into the daily lives of individuals, with a particular focus on young people.
Implemented in partnership with the Pan American and World Health Organizations, as well as UNICEF, the program will span a 10-year concentrated action plan to enhance mental health services for children. It will also collaborate with stakeholders to devise a national mental health policy grounded in evidence, while advocating for increased investment and resources for addressing children’s mental health.
The policy will emphasize both preventative and responsive measures that can be applied nationwide, addressing mental health issues at an early stage. Furthermore, the program will facilitate a comprehensive school-based initiative, tackling the stigma associated with mental health conditions in children and identifying potential suicidal behaviors before they escalate.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony underscores that this endeavor is crucial for safeguarding young lives, as it empowers children with knowledge about maintaining good mental health. Ongoing training for healthcare professionals will be prioritized to ensure the timely identification of mental health concerns in children. Efforts to fortify the Health Ministry’s information collection and surveillance systems will also be sustained.
Reported by Trichell Sobers, NCN News