GITEGA Oct 25th (ABP) – The First Lady of Burundi and Legal Representative of the “Bonne Action Umugiraneza”, Foundation Mrs. Angeline Ndayishimiye, has pleaded for the integration of mental health in public health structures. It was when she was opening the activities of the national workshop on mental health, Monday, October 24, 2022, at the Saint John Paul II Major Seminary in Gitega (center of the country).
Mrs. Ndayishimiye motivated her view by the poor living conditions faced by the mentally ill. She cited, among other things, mistreatment, the stigmatization of patients by their families and society, and the inaccessibility of health care. As for the minister in charge of public health, Mrs. Sylvie Nzeyimana, she spoke about the causes linked to mental illnesses. She spoke in particular of the aftermath of the socio-political crises that Burundi has gone through, manifesting itself in depression. She also added gender-based violence, sexual violence, drug use and alcoholism.
However, she reassured, these diseases are curable when treated. In turn, the representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and acting coordinator of the United Nations system in Burundi, indicated that this workshop is an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of mental health and well-being of the individuals and communities.
It is also an opportunity to encourage actors in the field, healthcare providers, development partners and to continue advocacy and the mobilization of everyone in favor of public health. After the session of the aforementioned communications, the participants followed presentations for an in-depth understanding of the theme mentioned above.
Ceremonies marking World Mental Health Day, 2022 edition, are scheduled in Ngozi on Tuesday, October 25, 2022.