Mental Health Awareness Month in Ghana: A Call to Action
The Ministry of Health, the Mental Health Authority of Ghana, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and Lady Julia Osei Tutu, Life Patron of EVE International, are joining forces to champion Mental Health Awareness month in Ghana throughout the entire month of May. This decision to move the awareness month from October to May is to ensure better focus and attention on mental health issues without competing with other celebrations.
Mental health awareness is crucial, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. It is not just the absence of disease or infirmity. In Ghana, there is a need to increase access to quality mental health care, especially for women who are often vulnerable to mental distress due to various societal factors.
The upcoming mental health awareness campaign in May will include community engagements, educational programs, social media campaigns, corporate engagements, and more. EVE International, with a focus on women’s public health, is actively involved in addressing mental health concerns for Ghanaian women. The organization plans to advocate for changes in legislation and increase infrastructure and access to care and treatment for women suffering from mental health issues.
Eve International is also planning to construct an exclusive mental health and wellness rehab center in Kumasi to serve women in the middle and northern belts of the country. It is essential for individuals to prioritize their mental health just as they do their physical health by engaging in discussions and activities related to mental health and wellness throughout May.
The Mental Health Awareness campaign will continue in October to create global emphasis on the importance of mental health. It is a collective duty to participate in the programs planned for Mental Health Awareness month in May and continue the conversation beyond that month to promote better mental health for all.
