Mental health training commences in Reg. 5
― first of three World Health Organisation’s Mental Health GAP Action Programme workshops ongoing
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Nurses, welfare officers and government Medical Officers of Region 5 are currently being trained in the World Health Organisation’s Mental Health GAP Action Programme (mhGAP). This is the first of a series of three similar workshops which will be held throughout the year for medical and professional staff in the Mahacia-Berbice area.
Workshop facilitators, Dr. Desiree Ross and Dr. Alana James are two members of a group of medical professionals who have been previously trained by PAHO/WHO. They now share the responsibility of rolling out the mhGAP training to a broad set of primary health care providers.
The training is taking place at the Regional Board room at Fort Wellington and runs from Aril 9 to 12, 2019. According to Regional Health Officer, Region 5, Dr. Desmond Nicholson, this is one way in which the region is seeking to build the capacity of staff especially in the area of mental health.
The integration of mental health into primary health is a priority of the Ministry of Public Health; hence training of this nature is expected to target primary health care workers.
With regard to other, mental health-related interventions, the region has rolled out a self-harm awareness programme. Dr. Nicholson underscored that mental health must be addressed in the region; hence these interventions.
This is a step in the direction for combatting high rates of suicide and suicide attempts in the region and the country at large.
Upon completion of the course, participants will be awarded a certificate.
Delicia Haynes.
Images: Region Five Health Department.