Windhoek—In observance of World Mental Health Day, local psychiatrist Lahija Koupu-Hamunjela voiced her concerns over the government’s lack of urgency in updating mental health legislation, specifically pointing to the outdated Mental Health Act 18 of 1973.
According to Namibia Press Agency, during a mental health commemoration event on Wednesday, Koupu-Hamunjela, who serves as the Acting Head of Department at Windhoek Central Hospital’s psychiatric unit, expressed her dissatisfaction with the legislative progress. She criticized the inaction of lawmakers in the National Assembly regarding the proposed amendments to the mental health policy, which has remained unchanged since 1973.
“I am actually very surprised and disappointed that no one from Parliament or even a high-ranking government official came to attend this event,” stated Koupu-Hamunjela. The urgency to revise the Mental Health Act was previously emphasized by former health and social services minister Benhard Haufiku, who tabled the bill, and his deputy, Juliet Kavetuna, who both declared the current act obsolete.
Koupu-Hamunjela underscored the significance of understanding mental illness within the legislative and broader public spheres, advocating for increased discussion and awareness of mental health issues in Parliament. “Discuss the bill in Parliament. The law we have now dates back to 1973 and we are now in 2024. Mental health needs to be advocated for in Parliament, and people need to know what it is and what it means to have mental illness,” she added.
She also highlighted the stigma surrounding mental diseases, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and support. World Mental Health Day, commemorated on October 10th, plays a crucial role in raising global awareness and mobilizing efforts to support mental health.
