Category: Health Care

The historical and current incidence of human rights violations in mental health care across nations has been variously described as a ‘global emergency’ and an ‘unresolved global crisis.’

This is evidenced by reports of physical and sexual abuse; discrimination and stigma; arbitrary detention; inability to access health care, vocational, and residential resources; and denial of self-determination in financial and marital matters, among other rights deprivations.

What is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day is an annual event that focuses on protecting and improving mental health. The day has been specially set aside to spread awareness about taking care of our mental health and removing the stigma of talking about it, especially among young people.

This year (2023), the theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.’ The day serves as an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme to improve knowledge, raise awareness, and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.

Mental Health and Human Rights

To say that everyone has the right to mental health means that mental health is a basic human right for all people and that everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a deserving and inherent right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This means, among others, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good-quality care; and the right to liberty, independence, and inclusion in the community.

It is important to stress that having a mental health condition should never be a reason to deprive a person of their human rights or to exclude them from decisions about their own health. Unfortunately, however, people with mental health conditions in Ghana and around the world experience a wide range of human rights violations.

As a matter of fact, many more people with mental health conditions cannot access the mental health care they critically need or can only access care that violates their human rights.

Recognising mental health as a universal human right empowers people to stand up for their rights.

Human rights are universal and inalienable. All people everywhere in the world are entitled to them. People with mental health conditions must have access to good mental health services as well as education, income generation, housing opportunities, and social support in order to live independently and be included in their communities.

Challenging the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health

People with mental health conditions have the right to live their lives free from stigma and discrimination in places like schools and workplaces. Too often, the widespread stigma associated with mental health problems undermines the development and implementation of mental health policy. Stigma is the main cause of discrimination and exclusion; it affects people’s self-esteem, helps to disrupt their family relationships, limits their ability to socialise, and defeats efforts aimed at integrating them into communities. It also contributes to the abuse of human rights in some large institutions.

Human Rights Abuses in Specific Settings

The abuses include shackling, flogging, and forced fasting. It is important to mention that these treatments are not only aberrations to human rights but are potentially traumatising and may exacerbate mental health problems.

It is noteworthy that the treatment of persons with mental health conditions in Ghana has come under increasing international scrutiny following the publication of damning reports by influential actors including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, as well as critical media coverage.

In the last quarter of 2022, Human Rights Watch visited five prayer camps and traditional healing centres in the Eastern and Central regions and interviewed more than fifty people, including people with psychosocial disabilities, mental health professionals, staff at prayer camps and traditional healing centres, mental health advocates, religious leaders, and senior government officials. Human Rights Watch found in these camps that people were chained or confined in small cages, in some cases for more than seven months.

The reputable human rights organisation saw more than 60 people who were chained or caged, including some children. Again, in a herbal centre in Senya Bereku, Human Rights Watch found 22 men detained in a dark, stifling room, all of them with chains, no longer than half a metre, around their ankles. They were forced to urinate and defecate in a small bucket passed around the room.

Despite the sweltering conditions, the Human Rights Watch report in 2022 said these persons with mental health conditions were only allowed to bathe every two weeks and that people in these camps were held against their will, which amounts to indefinite detention.

In a popular prayer centre in the Eastern Region, a 40-year-old man held for more than two months at the centre said to the Human Rights Watch team, ‘We spend 24/7 locked up in this room’. In some other traditional healing centres, there are severe human rights abuses, including lack of adequate food, unsanitary conditions, lack of hygiene, lack of freedom of movement, etc.

What has been MindFreedom Ghana’s response?

As a local non-governmental advocacy and policy influence organisation, MindFreedom Ghana has been active in pushing for improvements in mental health services and monitoring of existing facilities in Ghana.

In addition, MindFreedom Ghana is engaged in advocacy on mental health issues for persons with mental health conditions with donor agencies, diplomatic missions, government-funded organisations, and civil society organisations to: reduce stigmatisation and discrimination against persons with mental health conditions; promote the human rights of persons with mental health conditions and their caregivers; support government-funded and donor agencies to improve their human rights performance in the context of mental health.

In more recent activities, MindFreedom Ghana has established and is currently managing community support networks in six regions of Ghana for persons with mental health conditions and their carers to promote their human rights and well-being. These networks are also avenues for information on persons with mental health and their human rights, livelihood empowerment, mental health medication, and quality community mental health work that promotes their human rights and psychological well-being.

Promoting the Human Rights of People with Mental Health Conditions and Preventing Violations

A lot of work has been done over the years, especially since the Mental Health Law (Act 846) was signed into law in 2012, to make sure that it and other related laws protect and promote mental health and are in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was created in 2006 to, among other things, stop violations and promote the rights of people with psycho

Second, to improve human rights in mental health services, ways should be found to measure and improve the quality of care and human rights conditions. This will help protect people with mental health problems from inhumane and degrading treatment, bad living conditions, and being forced to go to treatment or be admitted without their consent.

Another key issue in promoting mental health in Ghana will be for all hands, including those of the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, health professionals, people with lived experience, NGOs, academic institutions, professional organisations, and other stakeholders, to work together to change attitudes and raise awareness by unifying their efforts in educating and advocating for the rights of people with mental health conditions.

The promotion of human rights in mental health also demands increased investment in mental health.

The government should also place modern psychotropic medicines on the Essential Medicines List and quickly place them under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). In addition, the mental health workforce at each level of the health care system needs to be developed and trained to ensure that all people have access to good-quality mental health services that promote recovery and respect for human rights.

Conclusion

The incidence of human rights violations in mental health care across nations has been described as a ‘global emergency’ and an ‘unresolved global crisis.’ The relationship between mental health and human rights is complex and bidirectional. Human rights violations unfortunately continue to negatively impact mental health. It is in this context that MindFreedom Ghana wishes to use the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2023 to recognise that having good mental health is a universal human right and that everyone deserves to live in environments where mental health is protected. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a healthier, more inclusive world for everyone.

This media publication, which is in furtherance of the overall objective of World Mental Health Day, is also an important activity of a two-year project titled ‘Institutional Strengthening and Building Awareness to Fight the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic and Addressing Its Impact in Ghana,’ which MindFreedom Ghana is implementing with funding support from Open Society-Africa.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Professor Stephen Tabiri, the Dean, School of Medicine at the University for Development Studies, has advised health practitioners to go by posting guidelines of the Medical and Dental Council (MDC).

Professor Tabiri encouraged them to resist the temptation to interrupt postings because it could negatively affect their career development.

He gave the advice in his address to 508 newly qualified medical doctors and dentists at an induction ceremony organised by the MDC-GH on Saturday.

The Dean also advised them to be guided by the ethics of the medical profession and not hesitate to seek help from their superiors and the Council when faced with challenges.

‘Do not forget about the Medical and Dental ethics…when in doubt, please consult your trainers and mentors. The Medical and Dental Council will help you to surmount these problems. Feel free to consult your trainers for guidance,’ he said.

He also urged the young doctors to show interest in the activities of the Ghana Medical Association because it would be helpful for their mentorship and direction.

Prof Paul Kwame Nyame, the Chairman of the Medical and Dental Council, Ghana, cautioned them against practicing solely for profit.

He asked them to be willing to serve the public anywhere.

‘Junior doctors must recognise that referring a patient for another facility or specialist is not a business transaction that may attract a commission…it is wrong to insist that a patient should go to a particular facility for an investigation, unless that facility is the only source for the examination or quality and standard required.

‘We must be willing to serve where we are needed. We must be slow and circumspect in abandoning the ship for greener pastures, when there is some turbulence in the ship of state’, he stated.

The over 500 inductees consist of doctors and dentists drawn from key tertiary institutions across the country.

Source: Ghana News Agency

More than 2, 000 residents of Kandara Sub- County in Murang’a have benefited from a free medical camp, organized by fruit processing company, Delmonte Limited. In its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity, the Firm facilitated the camp at Mukerenju Primary School, where local residents were screened for various types of cancers among other non-communicable diseases. Residents with common ailments were treated during the exercise attended by Delmonte’s Acting Managing Director, Wayne Cook and the Murang’a Director of Health and Sanitation, Dr. James Mburu. The free medical camp came at a time when there has been tussling between the County Government of Murang’a and members of Kandara Residents Association, over a portion land ceded by Delmonte company to the government. Last week, clashes were witnessed between police and youths from Kandara who invaded a 1,400-acre piece of land, which the Company has allocated to the Murang’a County Government, to establish various development projects including construction of a level-5 hospital. The residents have been accusing the County Government of ignoring a court order, barring any development of the said land, till a case before the court is heard and determined. Steering away from the land controversies, Wayne promised that his Company will continue to implement various projects in its Corporate Social Responsibility drive, aimed to benefit communities neighbouring the fruit processing company. ‘Delmonte Company will continue to collaborate with Murang’a County Government in many aspects of development and facilitate similar medical camps, which are beneficial to the community,’ he said. The Company, he noted, believes in the value of care, saying they were committed in participating in as many activities as possible within the community, with a view to fulfilling their core mandate of community service. ‘We can now join forces and work in partnership to bring change to the community, by working closely with all stakeholders, industries, medical professions and patients, who should always have a seat at the table to make their own decisions on their health.’ explained Wayne. The Managing Director observed that during their medical camps, medics engaged by the company have concentrated in facilitating cancer screening, considering that the disease is the second leading cause of mortality in the area after cardiovascular diseases. ‘During this month, which is set for creating awareness on breast cancer, the disease is being screened for free during the medical camps we have been organizing,’ he added. On his part, Dr. Mburu lauded the partnership with Delmonte, saying this has so far yielded fruits in various social and economic sectors. The County Government, Mburu noted, is working to improve on primary health care by engaging community health promoters, who will be traversing in rural areas and screening non-communicable diseases among residents. ‘We are enlisting the services of community health promoters, in order to effectively reach populations in the rural areas, where there is scarcity of medical services. This initiative will assist in early detection and management of non-communicable diseases among people in rural areas,’ added the Director. Mburu noted the partnership with Delmonte Company will help Murang’a government build a second level five hospital, a programme designed by Governor Irungu Kang’ata to support preventive health.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has said it has become costly to combat malaria, hence the need for regional collaboration to eliminate the disease in Namibia and neighbouring countries.

Speaking here on Wednesday, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the continued burden of malaria on healthcare systems and its devastating impact on the population.

“The good news is that malaria is preventable and treatable. Equally important, the tools with which to prevent and manage it; that is why this disease has been eliminated in some places. I understand that here in southern Africa, at one point we were on the verge of eliminating it. Sadly, it is regaining its foothold and reaching areas and populations that were free from it at one point,” she said.

A strong, sustained regional response to malaria is a means to building stronger, more equitable and resilient health systems, and one key lever for lifting people out of poverty.

“As we may know to a certain extent, malaria is linked to poverty. Let us engage our communities directly as a means of developing and maintaining relationships that enable stakeholders to work together to address issues and promote the well-being of our people,” she said.

The deputy prime minister was speaking at the opening of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) E8 High Level Meeting in Windhoek, to revive the fight against malaria in the region.

Elimination-8 (E8) is a coalition of eight countries in southern Africa that collaborate to eliminate malaria, which is endemic in Namibia and other SADC countries, except Lesotho.

She noted that eliminating malaria from SADC through Elimination-8 will greatly contribute to member states boasting healthier and more resilient populations by fostering relationships of trust between stakeholders to promote health, minimise risk, and mitigate the consequences of public health events.

“As member states, we must not place the burden of cross-border work on donors alone. It is our war, and therefore, we must not only be seen to talk about it, but we must contribute in a meaningful way to demonstrate ownership. Other players, such as the private sector, with a regional outlook, should also come to the table,” she said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Private Medical Facility, Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Center, has urged all women to get screened as the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

The Medical Director of the Facility, Dr Grace Buckman, said available statistics indicated that breast cancer was the second leading cause of cancer deaths, hence the need to create more awareness for everyone to get screened, as early detection saves lives.

Speaking at a United Breast Cancer Awareness walk organised by the Facility, Dr Buckman said ‘from research, one in eight women would be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Undoubtedly, the statistics are very scary, and that is why we must all rise to the task of creating awareness.

‘Experts have it that women who get regularly screened for breast cancer have a 47% lower risk of dying from the disease compared to those who do not. So take advantage of our free screening offers this whole month and get checked.’

To help create more awareness, Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Center is running a month-long campaign to raise awareness and to highlight the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle and on methods of prevention and early detection of breast cancer.

The theme for the campaign is ‘RISE’ meaning ‘Rally In Screening Everyone.’

‘We hope to screen up to 500 women this year for free. Considering the financial burdens of many, we will once again offer 50% discounts for all breast ultrasounds scans and 20% discount on Mammograms throughout the month. This gesture of Sonotech has often brought some financial relief to many individuals and families, helping them to save some money for other needs,’ she said.

Providing more details, she said, there would be talks, sharing of educational materials on breast cancer prevention, regular screening for early detection and where to find help when needed.

‘There will be TV, radio and social media engagements to educate the public on the disease. All branches of Sonotech and other partners will also be opened for free breast screening throughout the month,’ she said.

She added that donations from the public and from partners would be presented to support the activities of the breast cancer Unit of Korle-Bu teaching hospital to support their activities.

Sonotech’s October breast cancer awareness campaign has come a long way screening over 600, 000 women and offering financial relief to over 5000 women with free scans and up to 50% discounted breast ultrasound and mammogram scans over the past seven years.

This sustained campaign has challenged individuals, families and other organisations to get on board to help expand the scope of the fight against the disease. Not even

outbreak of the covid 19 pandemic could halt our momentum in this fight despite its impact on many institutions at the time.

As the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness, Sonotech celebrates and honours the courage and resilience of breast cancer survivors by encouraging creative and supportive messaging that embodies our mission for raising breast cancer awareness and support.

The United Breast Cancer Awareness walk was a prelude to activities slated for the month, and offered the staff of Sonotech and all partners the opportunity to take part in an enjoyable physical activity which was also used to raise public awareness on breast cancer.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ministry of Health has organized a number activities leading to this year’s Mashujaa day celebrations in Kericho County, whose theme is Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a key pillar in the Bottom-up Transformation Agenda (BETA).

According to the Kericho County Executive Committee for Health services Brenda Bii, one of the activities leading up to Mashujaa fete will be the launch of the Primary Health Care Networks (PCN), systems that link facility-based health services to the community fostering a seamless approach to healthcare delivery.

Speaking during a media sensitization forum, Bii said a week-long Medical Camp will also be held starting Monday October 9 to 18 in all the six sub-counties, where area residents will benefit from various medical checks and consultations with health experts.

Some of the services that will be provided at the medical camps include breast and cervical cancer screening, screening for Non-Communicable Disease (NCDs), Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, screening for Tuberculosis, immunizations, deworming, family planning, treatment of minor illnesses, HIV testing, blood drive and referral where necessary.

Residents of Kipkelion West Sub-County have been urged to visit Kasheen Chief’s camp on October 9, 2023, while Ainamoi Sub-County residents can visit the Ketepa Camp and Ainamoi Center on Tuesday October 10 for the medical camp.

At the same time, Bureti Sub-County residents will have a chance to access the medical camp at Kapkatet Stadium on Wednesday October 11, 2023, while residents of Soin/Sigowet Sub-County can get screened at Chepkemel Health Center on Thursday October 12, 2023.

Equally, the medical camp will be available in Belgut Sub-County October 16, 2023 at Sosiot stadium, while Kipkelion East Sub-County residents will be screened at Londiani town on October 17, 2023.

On the other hand, Kericho town residents will benefit from the medical camp on October 18, 2023 at Moi gardens, which will be the last day of the medical camps.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of health will also hold a 4-day medical expo from October 16 to 19, 2023 at Kapkatet Stadium involving both public and private industry players, to showcase medical services and products as well as technological innovations in the health sector.

According to Bii, on the first day of the medical expo, the theme will focus on Primary Health Care (PHC) which essential health care is made accessible, acceptable and affordable through full participation of individuals, families and communities.

She further said the role of Primary Health Care is providing high quality, low cost care to individuals and families, adding that Primary Health Care also serves as an early warning system to detect and stop disease outbreaks.

Therefore, Primary Health Care packages include promotive health education, preventive package comprising screening, immunization and monitoring. Another PHC packages include ambulance and emergency response, acute ambulatory care, palliative care and rehabilitative care.

As for the second day of the Medical Expo, the theme will focus on health information systems, Digitization and innovation, which is basically leveraging technology to reach the unreached.

On the third day of the medical expo, the theme will focus on human resource for health, while the fourth day the theme will revolve around healthcare financing and showcasing innovative health financing models for increased domestic resource for health.

Among other activities will be the launch of an oxygen plant at the Kericho County Referral Hospital.

Source: Kenya News Agency