Lobby urges Dorcas Rigathi to champion its mental health plan

Mindful Kenya is now pushing for a special mental health programme for the police and the healthcare workers.

The organisation is pushing for early screening of members in these disciplines to avert cases of mental health.

In an open letter to second lady Dorcas Rigathi, Mindful Kenya, is calling for urgent ways of raising the state of well-being among employees.

“Our healthcare workers and police force stand on the frontline every day, braving emotional and physical storms to protect our beloved nation. But in their valiant efforts, they too bear the scars of mental trauma,” said Mindful Kenya in statement.

Mental health is a massive area of concern across the world. Kenya was recently ranked 4th in Africa with 1.9 million people with mental illness. Depression is the most common mental illness reported.

According to the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015-2030), mental disorders in Kenya continue to rise rapidly.

Government statistics reveal that 1 in every 4 Kenyans has suffered from a mental illness at one point in their lives.

According to the organisations these disciplines see pain and suffering daily, confront life-altering decisions, and carry the weight of the nation's safety on their shoulders.

“Their mental well-being, often neglected, is at significant risk. This is where we seek your intervention, Pastor Dorcas. With your influence and unwavering dedication to the well-being of Kenyans, you can be that powerful voice,” the letter reads in part.

The recently published Kenya National Bureau of Statistics showed that more men than women have suffered from mental illnesses, sadly the report didn’t reveal the causes of the mental illnesses. 

Few people with mental problems receive any treatment according to global health surveys carried out in low and middle-income countries.

With a cost of less than 100 shillings monthly, the organisations say it has devised a system that detects early mental health challenges, ensuring treatment is timely, less painful, and affordable.

“But to truly make a difference, we need the support of insurance companies – a formidable challenge without the backing of a powerful voice Your support not only amplifies the urgency of this initiative but also galvanizes institutions like Medical Administrators Kenya Limited and NHIF to play their part in this transformative journey,” read the letter