Blantyre Health Office Marks World Mental Health Day with Awareness Event
Nellie Gogoda Bowa, a mental health nursing officer, urged organizations and workplace managers to promote employee mental health.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — The Blantyre District Health Office held an event Thursday to commemorate World Mental Health Day, aiming to raise awareness about mental health and well-being, writes Mayamiko Phiri.
The event took place at Gateway Clinic near Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
Dr. Precious Makiyi, a mental health expert, said some suicide deaths in the country stem from work-related stress.
"Mental health disorders are quite common due to lack of awareness and stigma," Makiyi said.
Nellie Gogoda Bowa, a mental health nursing officer, urged organizations and workplace managers to promote employee mental health.
"Allow employees to go for recreation and social gathering activities often," Bowa said.
Health Ministry data shows over 1,700 people committed suicide in Malawi between 2014 and 2023.
This year's theme is "It's time to prioritize mental health in the workplace: A healthy workforce is the best workforce."