Wajir County, in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross (KRC), Tuesday marked World Mental Health Day at the Wajir County Referral Hospital in a move aimed at promoting mental health awareness.
The event brought together health officials, community leaders, and residents, where they emphasized the importance of mental well-being in both personal and professional spheres.
Habiba Ali, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health, led the discussions, underscoring the need for open conversations about mental health.
She urged Wajir residents to actively engage in supporting one another and to prioritise access to mental health resources. “A healthy mind is key to productivity and overall well-being,” said Ali, underscoring the role of mental health in everyday life.
Ms. Ali explained the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace’ which focuses on the need for a supportive work environment to combat issues like stress, burnout, and anxiety.
“With increasing pressure in modern work settings, mental health requires the same attention as physical health,” she said.
Ali further stressed the importance of creating healthy workplaces, saying that it is essential to the overall welfare of employees.
The event saw the participation of key figures in the healthcare sector, including Dr. Mohamed Aden Hillow, a consultant psychiatrist, and the county’s Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) coordinator.
Their presence, along with various county staff, highlighted the collaborative effort required to raise awareness and improve mental health support within the community.
World Mental Health Day continues to serve as a crucial platform for promoting awareness and encouraging actionable steps to address mental health challenges at all levels of society.
By Hamdi Buthul
