Kenya Holds Conference to Expand Mental Health Services
August 27th, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Summary
Kenya may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering the psychology hot spots of the world. But a growing community of mental health care professionals in the country is beginning to reap the rewards of concentrated efforts and inspiring diligence as a greater number of the nation’s inhabitants seek therapy and other forms of treatment. Holding its first meeting in what is to become an annual event, the Kenya Psychiatrists Association will meet this week in Mombasa to explore professional connections and networking opportunities while working towards the development of strategies for both greater awareness of mental health services and the amplification of their availability to the public. Though the association is still relatively young, the national interest in mental health care is hoped to help boost attendance.
Having played host to several traumatic episodes during colonization and the struggles for independence and stability, Kenya is home to a population that, while ever-focused on working towards bright goals on the horizon, is also often challenged by painful memories and experiences. The prevalence of mental health concerns among ex-prisoner populations, for instance, is substantial, yet modern services are largely inaccessible to some groups of people who may need treatment most.
The conference is scheduled to meet with the theme of “Transforming Mental Health Services in Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities.” The professional mental health workers in the country, recognizing both the distinct puzzles to be worked through as well as the great rewards available for those in need as well as the country at large, are likely to discover that their challenges and opportunities in many instances are one and the same.
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6 comments so far
With all the conflict and pain in Kenya over the past decades, a program like this seems very beneficial and neccessary to heal those suffering.
A new day dawns for Kenya indeed there. I hope it is embraced by all. It’s sad to read that mental health is considered the “poor relation” compared to other fields of medicine. Good luck to them in breaking down those walls.
My mother’s family comes from Kenya and when I told them about this they were amazed, happily. They never thought they would see this type of openness in the homeland, but they praise God that it is happening.
So much help is needed for the people of this great continent.I pray and hope Kenya becomes a pioneer in Africa.
Land is being mobilized for health care and that in itself is encouraging. A lot needs to be done but this small step in itself is a giant leap for Kenya.
transforming mental health services you say… I am surprised to note that there is noteworthy mental health services in the first place.