By NAKUBIANA SHABONGO –
GOVERNMENT has successfully trained more than 500 front-line mental health workers aimed at enhancing the tackling of mental illnesses.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Davis Chikamata said Government wanted to ensure quality delivery of mental health services.
Dr Chikamata said Government was renovating mental health infrastructure in some parts of the country to coordinate activities and provide an oversight in service delivery.
Dr Chikamata was speaking during the launch of the mental health technical working group at the Grand Palace Hotel in Lusaka yesterday.
“I am urging the working group to help address the many gaps and challenges we are facing in delivering mental health services at all levels,” he said.
Community Development Mother and Child Health Permanent Secretary Elwyn Chomba said there was need to tackle the root causes of mental illnesses in the community.
She said primary mental health care approach was the most cost-effective, efficient and fair way to organise a mental system.