In observance of World Mental Health Day 2018, the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Health Sciences along with the Department of Public Health hosted the first-ever mental health fair.
Under the theme “Young people and mental health in a changing world”, the event was hosted at the University’s Turkeyen Campus tarmac.
Health Sciences Faculty Public Health Head of Department, Dr Michelle James, speaking to Guyana Times exclusively, explained that the first-ever Health Fair was launched, since mental health was a serious issue in Guyana. She also noted that the Faculty has received support from various stakeholders. The Faculty approached the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), which was represented by Dr William Adu-Krow, and the Public Health Ministry, along with their stakeholders, to have discussions to host the fair, which is set to be an annual
Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence visits one of the booths at the health fair on Wednesday
event at the University.
In her feature address at the fair, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence explained that depression was the third leading cause of mental illness and this was why the World Health Organisation (WHO) focused on youths for this year’s World Mental Health Day celebrations.
Lawrence added that she was happy that the event was conducted at the University of Guyana where youths were trying to deal with various issues. The Minister expressed her concern about adolescent pregnancy and adolescent suicide, since the present situation was very alarming.
The Public Health Ministry seeks to target students of secondary schools, where teachers are likely to be trained with the aim of recognising and identifying students dealing with mental health issues. Mental illness in Guyana affects nearly one in four people, with women, the unemployed and young adults accounting for over 60 per cent. Less than 10 per cent are being treated, and 4 in 10 have attempted suicide. World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year with several activities to mark the occasion.
