The Department of State for Health (DOSH), in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO), on Monday 16 April started a five-day training workshop for mental health focal persons from Jomo, Kuntair, Fajikunda and Brikama.

The purpose of the workshop is to equip mental health focal persons at all levels of health care delivery in the country with mental health issues.

The participants are expected to serve as contact persons in their various health facilities in rendering mental health care to the patients and the community at large. In her opening remarks, Director of Health Service, Dr Mariatou Jallow said, mental health is an important aspect in health delivery system.

She reveals that the health profession has now initiated an integration of the mental health into the mainstream of health services which, she said, is a step in the right direction. Mrs. Jallow highlighted that the focal persons will serve as the nucleus to ensure that the mental health integration is a success. She further lauded the support and contribution of WHO in the health delivery service in the country.

For her part, Mrs. Agnes M Kuye, Officer- in-charge- WHO Country Office, said the mission of WHO is for the attainment of health for all, and it is in this regards that WHO has been collaborating with DOSH to look after the mental health service in the country. She added that WHO has long been in partnership with The Gambia Government to ensure that people enjoy their health at the highest possible standard.

Also, speaking at the ceremony Bakary Sonko, Head of Psychiatry Unit, said his department is very much optimistic in facing the challenges as far as mental health is concerned and that mentally-retard people should not be sidelined or discriminated against. He described mental health care as the caring and support given to people with mental health problems and the prevention and promotion of mental health to those who are in need.

Mr. Sonko advised participants to take the workshop seriously as it can go a long way in helping them to prepare for the challenges that they might come across in rendering their services to patients and the community at large.