Nakuru, Kenya – Nakuru County is set to improve access to community-based mental health services, aiming to reduce stigma and provide tailored support, announced the County Director for Medical Services, Dr. Daniel Wainaina. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate mental health services into the community, making them more culturally sensitive and locally relevant.

According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at a sensitization workshop for health workers in Nakuru, community-based services can significantly reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. By integrating these services into the community, individuals are more likely to seek help, as it becomes a normalized part of community life. The Director emphasized that early intervention is key to preventing the escalation of mental health problems and improving long-term outcomes.

The 2022 Mental Act of Parliament, which focuses on the prevention, care, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness, supports this move. Dr. Wainaina highlighted that community-based services offer a holistic approach to mental health, considering not just individual needs but also the social, economic, and environmental factors affecting mental well-being.

Further, Dr. Wainaina noted that empowering the community through training and fostering a sense of collective responsibility for mental health is crucial. He also pointed out that community-based services are more cost-effective compared to centralized or hospital-based services, making them more sustainable in the long term. Integrating mental health services into primary care settings within communities can ensure mental health is given equal importance as physical health, leading to better overall health outcomes.