Mental health is an integral part of personal health and mental problems are not a minor concern, First Lady Fazna Ahmed said on Sunday.
Speaking at the 'Oevaru Mental Health Conference' inaugural session, Fazna said mental health fosters open discussions and reduces stigma.
She noted that the conference's theme, 'Changing Currents: Forming Connections,' is particularly relevant in our ever-changing world.
She added that while we cannot always control what happens, we can shape the way we respond. She stated that the strength of our response depends on political will, data availability, capacity, and collaboration.
Fazna highlighted the current administration's efforts to promote mental health and provide mental health care services.
She noted that the political will to prioritise mental health in the Maldives has led to the establishment of the National Centre for Mental Health.
This has resulted in the expansion of in-patient psychiatry services, increased Aasandha coverage for therapeutic services, promotion of physical fitness and sports as part of a healthy lifestyle, increased mental health GAP training, provision of higher education scholarships in the field of mental health, and expansion of mental health services beyond the Greater Malé Area.
But she acknowledged that current data on mental health in the Maldives is limited and outdated.
The 'Oevaru Mental Health Conference,' a two-day event initiated by the National Centre for Mental Health, aims to discuss ways to address these issues.
