President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has reiterated that the administration has accorded high priority to ensuring the people's mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being. He made the statement after launching Kihineh, the National Social and Behaviour Change Communications Strategy on Prevention and Promotion of Mental Health. The campaign and strategy were launched as part of the administration's policy on preventing and promoting mental health at a function held in Dharubaaruge' convention centre.
Addressing the function, President Solih stated the administration had ensured inclusive physical and mental healthcare services for every citizen without discrimination. Speaking about the importance of identifying mental health problems early, President Solih noted the importance of seeking assistance and starting treatment at an early stage. He added that the national campaign would promote social and behavioural change around the current perceptions and attitudes towards mental health. He also highlighted the role of family, friends, and society in supporting and helping people with mental health problems.
Additionally, President Solih spoke about the administration's efforts to prevent mental health. In March 2019, President Solih inaugurated the country's first mental health centre at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). Mental health coverage has been included under the Aasandha national health insurance scheme. Mental health services have since been expanded at Hulhumalé Hospital with the opening of the Mental Health Centre in October 2022. The service is also available at the five tertiary hospitals under development across the country.
The national campaign aims to address the high levels of stigma attached to mental health and related issues, promote awareness and understanding of these issues, and create a more tolerant, nurturing, and compassionate community. The administration launched the one-year campaign in partnership with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Maldives.
The function was attended by Vice President Faisal Naseem, cabinet ministers, the UNICEF Representative to the Maldives Paulo Sassarao, and officials from UNICEF and government offices and institutions.