Eritrea joined the world celebrating World Health Day 2017. It was commemorated with lots of enthusiasm at national level at St. Mary Psychiatric Hospital under the theme “Depression, let’s talk” The highly participated event was observed for the 22nd times at national level and for the 68th at international level.

Dr Andebrhan Tesfatsion, DG of Public Health   on behalf of the Hon Minister of Health Mrs Amina Nurhussen said “Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects someone's’ life though it is treatable.” He highlighted that MOH in collaborating with line ministries is working hard to help people with this type of problem. He also made an appeal to individuals to come to the hospital as it provides free medication. He emphasized that the worst is depression can lead to suicide.

The WHO Representative for Eritrea, Dr Josephine Namboze on behalf of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, pointed out that WHO has published guidelines to help countries to increase and improve healthcare services for people with mental health disorders through care provided by health workers who are not specialists in mental health. She called on countries to support mental health programs by allocating adequate human and financial resources to respond to this growing burden. She added that developing community-based services which focus on depression - and talk out against stigma - will encourage more people to seek treatment. In addition, she said that Individuals, families, caregivers and communities can take steps to help prevent depression by avoiding stressful situations, alcohol abuse and drug use; while maintaining a proper diet and physical activity can improve wellbeing and can prevent depression.

At the event, Medical Director of  St. Mary Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Filmon Mebrahtu, made a short presentation on the activities of St. Mary Psychiatric Hospital. He said that the hospital is training more and more health workers who are assigned in all parts of the nation and now people can go to the nearest health facility and can find services. He called up on the society to avoid stigma and discrimination but to show care to the patients because they can be productive if diagnosed early.

Hon. Minister of Health, Mrs. Amina Nurhussen towards the closing of the event gave awards to the winners from the general knowledge contest. The banners, posters, brochures, dramas and songs with more focus on combating to avoid stigma and discrimination were shown which made the event more colorful.

During the event, participants were drawn from different sectors including the Hon. Minister of Labor and Human Welfare, Mr Kahsai Gebrehiwot;   Hon. Minister of Energy and Mining, General Sebhat Efrem, , other government officials, MOH, line ministries, WHO and other UN Agencies, communities and staff of the St. Mary Psychiatric Hospital. Furthermore, the testimonials moved the participants and attracted a lot of interest.

Below:

01. The WHO Representative to Eritrea, Dr Josephine Namboze making remarks at the event

02. Dr Andebrhan Tesfatsion, DG of Public Health making remarks

03. Hon. Ministers, Higher Government Officials, UN Agencies Representatives were among the participants