NAIROBI, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenya joined the global community in marking World Mental Health Day Thursday with new guidelines launched to promote mental wellness at workplaces and improve productivity.
Cabinet Secretary for Health Deborah Barasa said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that approximately 3.7 million workers in Kenya may be affected by mental health disorders, leading to a 0.6 percent loss of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020 due to reduced productivity.
To tackle these challenges, Barasa said the health ministry has introduced Kenya's first national guidelines on workplace mental wellness. "These guidelines aim to promote mental well-being and establish effective support systems for employees experiencing mental health issues."
This year's World Mental Health Day was marked at Nairobi's Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, the only public psychiatric hospital in Kenya. The event highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental wellbeing in professional settings, promoting healthy work environments, and supporting employees' mental health to enhance productivity and quality of life.
Barasa called for collective action to invest in mental health clinics in hospitals, implement the new guidelines, and integrate mental wellness programs into school curricula.
During the event, Barasa also unveiled the Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital Strategic Plan 2024-2029, which focuses on enhancing the quality of mental healthcare and fostering institutional growth.
"Many people suffer from mental illnesses without realizing it. Prioritizing mental health care in the workplace is crucial. When employees' mental well-being is compromised, their productivity is affected," said Julius Ogato, chief executive officer of Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital.
