Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 836471,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/836471/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 15,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "October of each year. The day was first celebrated in 1992. Its objective is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of the same. It is also an opportunity for stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what needs to be done to improve mental healthcare for people globally. Mr. Speaker, Sir, even as we observe this day, a lot of work needs to be done by all stakeholders to improve the state of mental health in this country. It is so unfortunate that as important as it is, mental health is yet to be given the amount of attention given to physical health. Kenya was recently ranked sixth amongst African countries with the highest number of depression cases with a total of 1.9 million cases. We have a Mental Health Act that was last amended in 1991. We only have 14 mental health facilities in Kenya, 88 psychiatrists and 427 nurses qualified to handle the illnesses in the facilities. Statistics show that for every four Kenyans, one person is likely to suffer from a mental disorder at some point in their lives yet; five out of every six Kenyans with mental illness do not receive treatment due to unavailability of the services or lack of awareness. Mr. Speaker, Sir, according to World Health Organisation (WHO), four out of five people who commit suicide are depressed at the time of their death. Up to 7,000 suicides are reported in Kenya annually with tens of thousands more attempting to kill themselves as a result of depression. This year’s theme is: “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World”. It is sad to know that the youth, who form a critical component of the country’s demographics, face various mental health conditions arising from social, behavioural, academic, social relationships, unemployment, broken families, substance abuse and pressure of life issues. The rate of youth committing suicide as a result of depression is increasing by the day. According to statistics, suicide is the second leading cause of death among the youth aged between 15 and 29 years. Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me to make reference to a documentary report by African Uncensored titled: Within These Walls that was published on 1st October, 2018. The documentary showcased people giving their personal stories on their struggles with mental illness that make them vulnerable to commit to suicide. They also talk about their fear on speaking about their illness due to the stigma and discrimination that comes with mental illness. Mr. Speaker, Sir, my heart was filled with sadness as I read a report by Daily"
}