Generational trauma battering society – Masabane

Namibia’s health ministry has warned that the mental health crisis in the country is another pandemic and one that requires serious attention.

This was said by the ministry's deputy executive director, Petronella Masabane, at the inauguration of the mental health board yesterday.

Masabane said that generational traumas play a big role in the state of a society's battle with mental health.

"Even before independence, there were insufficient mental health facilities. It breaks my heart when I see the type of facilities in which we keep people struggling with mental illness. This is the second pandemic in just one decade that we need to tackle," she said.

Masabane credited deputy health minister, Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, for being instrumental in making sure a board of this stature was established.

"Our deputy minister has worked extremely hard in reviewing the mental health bill, but we cannot wait for the bill to be passed before we start with necessary interventions," she added.

At present, Namibia has just over six services that cater for people with mental health problems.

More help needed

The board consists of seven members. They have elected Dr Nashilongo Shivute as chairperson for this term.

During her acceptance speech, Shivute highlighted that the challenges within the available mental health facilities are not only limited to the quality of the facilities and the state of patients, but also the overworked staff.

"We need to send more young people to train for the massive duty that's at hand, and I am at your service. I am humbled and grateful for this responsibility," Shivute said.

Restoring dignity

During her keynote address, Muinjangue asked that the board regulates mental health care to promote the dignity of people living with mental illnesses.

"This will help with the provision of care of persons with mental health conditions and set out the procedures to follow, should persons with these illnesses be admitted and discharged from these facilities."

Muinjangue assured the board that the appropriate primary health care directorate will provide the necessary logistical and administrative support needed.