The National Council has passed the Mental Health Bill, replacing the Mental Health Act of 1973, which has been criticised as outdated.
The Bill aims to protect the dignity of mental health patients and strengthen community-based mental health services, as well as establish a mental health review board.
Contributing to discussions prior to the approval of the Bill, MPs stated that it reflects Namibia's commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing and dignity of those faced with mental health challenges.
They further added that the Bill could not come at a better time, as the country is also faced with a high rate of suicide, with stigma against mental health victims being a major contributing factor.
MP Abiud Kapere stated, "Our legislative framework must treat mental health as a matter of public well-being, ensuring compassion, care and support rather than isolation and stigma."
Reymond Jossop added, "I fully support the implementation of this bill. Through our standing commodity functions and oversight functions, we will ensure that the implementation is taken seriously."
"The legislation currently governing mental health in Namibia is outdated. It was written in a different era, one that viewed mental illness through the lens of confinement rather than care," contributed MICT Deputy Minister Wenzel Kavaka.
"We have a responsibility to build a society where people can seek help without fear, without shame and without discrimination," emphasised Deputy Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Inecia Brandt.
"Mental health is very key to our daily lives and overall well-being. We, therefore, as a nation, need to change our approach towards mental health," urged MP Olivia Hanghuwo.
Deputy Ministry of Health and Social Services Suzan Ndjaleka stated that mental health patients should not be detained but rather given the much-needed support and treatment and reintegrated into society.
"The Bill is clear that mental health must be decentralised and integrated into the existing health systems with emphasis on accessibility, equitability and affordability where the primary health care will be provided."