The World Mental Health Day 2020 was marked on 08 October 2020 at the New Psychiatric Hospital in Beau Bassin, Mauritius during an official launching of activities by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailash Kumar Jagutpal in the presence of the high level officials of the Ministry, Dr Ameenah Sofeeran, Consultant Psychiatry, Dr Laurent Musango, WHO Representative in Mauritius and others.  The different speakers advocated for increased financing for mental health and well-being in line with this year’s theme “Move for Mental Health: Let’s Invest”.

Dr K. K. Jagutpal, Minister of Health and Wellness during his address, said that the country has made significant progress in improving and decentralizing mental health services.  He added, “we need to keep on improving mental health services.  We will ensure that the national health sector strategic plan 2020-2024 which comprises a strategic objective on mental health is implemented successfully to attain our objectives.”

“Sensitizing the population on mental health diseases, early detection of mental health problems and capacity building of health personnel are crucial, especially with a growing ageing population in the country,” said Dr K. K. Jagutpal

Dr A. Sorefan, Consultant Psychiatry, highlighted that “one in four people will be affected by a mental disorder at some point in their lives”.  She said, “unfortunately, people suffering from mental health diseases are still being stigmatized in the society,” before adding that more and more people and health personnel are aware of mental health diseases now than in the past.  According to Dr A. Sorefan, there is need to keep educating the whole population so that mental health problems and diseases are “no more taboos.”

Dr Laurent Musango, WHO Representative in Mauritius, during his speech emphasized the urgency in investing in mental health.  He pointed out that, “in the WHO African Region, government expenditure per capita on mental health is less than 4 Mauritian rupees.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has showed us how mental health is integral to overall well-being,” said Dr Musango.  He added that both health personnel and the population are at risk of developing mental health problems due to COVID-19.

The WHO Representative in Mauritius advocated for the elaboration of national mental health policies for the country.  An appeal was made by Dr Musango to the Government of Mauritius to decentralize mental health services, strengthen primary health care and build capacity of first aid psychologists who can work under the supervision of qualified psychiatrists and psychologists.

“To enjoy a good mental health, one needs to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy food, avoid alcohol, practice regular physical activity, socialize and learn to management stress and anxiety,” advised Dr L. Musango in his concluding remarks.

On this occasion, both patients and health personnel show case of their talents during sketches and dance.  The Patients’ creativity and care for the nature was reflected in the various handy crafts and flower plants that were exhibited during the function.