The Mental Health Society of Ghana in collaboration with Time to Change Global and Christian Blind Mission organized a social event as part of a campaign to minimize the spate of mental illness stigma in the country.
The event which was held at the West-hills Mall was arranged such that persons mental health were encouraged to share their experience to help influence people’s behaviour and attitude minimising the spate of stigma and negative stereotypes.
Mental health illness is surrounded by a lot of myths and negative stereotypes. According to research, one out of four people may experience mental health problems once in their lifetime.
According to the WHO, it is estimated that of the 21.6 million people living in Ghana, 650,000 are suffering from a severe mental disorder and a further 2,166, 000 are suffering from a moderate to mild mental disorder. The treatment gap is 98% of the total population expected to have a mental disorder.
The Ministry of Health on its website said: “as a critical Sector of the economy, it seeks to improve the health status of all people living in Ghana thereby contributing to Government’s vision of universal health coverage and a healthy population.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.FM