The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), the Katutura Constituency Office, and the University of Namibia (UNAM) have joined hands to raise awareness about mental health stigma and support mental health within communities.

Mental health stigma refers to societal disapproval or shame placed on people who live with a mental illness.

The initiative came after the mental health third-year students carried out research that showed that most people suffer from mental health problems.

Professor Judith Hall, the Executive Dean of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine at UNAM, says the programme aims to bring issues of mental health to the attention of the community.

Hall urges people to speak out instead of suffering in silence by seeking assistance at health facilities, from relatives, and from leaders at different levels.

During the event, those who needed someone to speak to were given the opportunity to engage with social workers.