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10th
October, 2002 is World Mental Health Day
Zimbabwe
National Association for Mental Health (ZIMNAMH)
October 09, 2002
In this time
of heightened international tension and conflict, children are the
innocent victims of the world’s challenges and troubles. The theme
for World Mental Health Day 2002 is THE EFFECTS OF TRAUMA AND VIOLENCE
ON CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. It is a subject that needs immediate
attention.
All children
need stability, safety and an environment that nurtures them for
the future. Trauma and violence either within the home or outside
can shatter trust, self-esteem and hope. Prolonged and repeated
traumatic experiences often result in serious mental health problems.
World Mental Health Day serves to educate families and communities
around the world to recognise and help those who suffer from mental
illnesses. Early intervention is always a good place to start. Communities
must demand that resources be allocated for children’s mental health
to improve fragmented services and enable the little ones to grow
up healthy and happy. This vision can only be achieved if there
are realistic and meaningful mental health programmes embodied in
the National Mental Health Policy. Zimbabwe National launch by the
Ministry of Health and Child Welfare is be conducted at Ngomahuru
Hospital, Masvingo on Thursday 10th October 2002.
The international
event organized by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH)
is co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO). WFMH was
founded in 1948 to advance, among all peoples and nations, the prevention
of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care
of those with such disorders and the promotion of mental health.
The Federation; with members and contacts in 112 countries on six
continents, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceanic, America and Carribean
(ZIMNAMH is a member) has responded to the international mental
health crisis through its role a the only worldwide grassroots advocacy
public and education organization in the mental health field. The
organizations’ broad and diverse membership makes possible collaboration
among governments and non-governmental organizations. Throughout
its history, the Federation has been active in advancing the concerns
of the mentally ill before international forums both private and
governmental and in supporting the efforts of its member organizations
at the national and regional level.
The Federation
is accredited as a consultant to the United Nations and its specialised
agencies, working closely with the World Health Organisation, UNESCO,
the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN Commission on Human
Rights, the International Labour Organisation and others.
Elizabeth
Matare
Vice
President – World Federation for Mental Health – Africa Region
Visit the ZIMNAMH
fact sheet
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