President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has launched 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.
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 decided to conduct the one-year campaign based on the findings of the assessment conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Speaking at the function, Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem said the prevalence of mental illness has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. He also noted that the proportion of people suffering from non-communicable diseases (NDCs) has increased in the Maldives and those suffering from such diseases and their families experience some kind of mental illness.
Along with building a mentally aware, empowered and caring society, the Ministry of Health stated that it wants to build a responsible society that accepts and cares for each other despite differences of opinion. A National Social and Behaviour Change Communications Strategy on Prevention and Promotion of Mental Health has also been launched to work against mental illnesses. The campaign is planned to be conducted in all parts of the Maldives for the next one year.