Written By Vanessa Kariuki |
The Division of Mental Health had an important consultative discussion as part of a proactive initiative to prioritise maternal mental health.
The discussion was centred on addressing major issues and setting goals for the seamless integration of maternal care with mental health services.
During the discussions, the urgent need to address the dearth of employment assistance for mental health emerged as a top priority.
Participants stressed the importance of providing healthcare professionals with comprehensive tools to enable them to successfully manage the mental health needs of pregnant patients, they also recognised the crucial role of healthcare providers.
The discussion during the meeting focused on doable solutions to close this gap and guarantee that medical personnel have the tools necessary to deliver comprehensive care.
The creation of a specialised instrument for tracking and reporting indicators of community mental health was another important item on the agenda.
A standardised method will provide reliable community-wide monitoring and assessment of mental health services, allowing for focused interventions and better maternal patient outcomes.
This effort demonstrates the Division of Mental Health’s dedication to data-driven decision-making and evidence-based practises.
The Division emphasised the relevance of the mental health guidelines policy that was introduced in 2022 to further emphasise their commitment to providing easily accessible mental health services.
Astonishing figures were presented during the meeting, showing that 50% of referral cases in Kwale are connected to maternal health, including teenage pregnancies and the lack of community assistance for young moms.
These difficulties reinforce stigmatisation and highlight the urgent need for specialised mental health support and public education.
The Division of Mental Health seeks to improve maternal mental health outcomes and provide a welcoming atmosphere for patients who are pregnant via teamwork and a common goal.
This significant step towards integration is a forward-thinking approach to healthcare, ensuring that maternal mental health stays at the top of the larger healthcare agenda.
