By Rasto Wamalwa, Kakamega
At least two or three out of 10 people in Kenya suffer mental or arthritis. The two ailments are slowly becoming a health crisis in the country.
Those with mental health problems face several challenges such as stigma, limited access to services, and lack of trained professionals
Many organisations have come up with awareness to enable people understand the existence of mental problems but many still view it in a negative way.
Kakamega County has tried to come up with initiatives to improve on its mental health services through enactment of various policies and hosting medical camps, which have all proved unsuccessful.
Non-governmental organizations such as Josephina Arthritis Center (JAC) based in Sinoko ward is playing a crucial role in providing support and education to such victims by coming up with several mitigation measures.
JAC CEO Thomas Bifwoli has urged both national and county governments together with NGO’s to increase funding treatment and management of the two ailments by enhancing community awareness, and integration of mental health into primary healthcare.
Bifwoli said JAC project will enhance skills for healthy and balanced living through mental health awareness in the region by coming up with a cycling event.
“Besides the support we are giving to those suffering from the two ailments, our main purpose is advocating against stigma and discrimination, which is often linked with mental health and arthritis”, Bifwoli said.
“We also engage groups in understanding symptoms of mental health and how they can be prevented, and how help can be provided to those who struggle with such challenges,” he added.
