Mental health awareness key to societal health

The Ministry of Health and Prevention is raising community awareness on mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease among others.

Dr Hussein Abdel-Rahman Al Rand, assistant undersecretary of the Ministry’s health centres and clinics sector, said the ministry is implementing stronger preventive measures in alignment with UAE’s national strategy to manage mental illnesses and provide rehabilitation of and support for mental patients.

“The national strategy also seeks to help patients integrate into the society and build high-quality life,” he said.

Dr Youssif Al Serkal, assistant undersecretary for hospitals sector mentioned that the Council of Ministers’ moved to adopt the National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health done during its previous session, with the aim of preparing a multisectoral framework and developing special services in partnership with authorities concerned.