MTRH Leads Mental Health Awareness in Eldoret: Highlighting Workplace Challenges and Support for Healthcare Workers
“At least 7 out of every 10 patients at MTRH are diagnosed with mental health illnesses,” Dr. Kirwa said, underscoring the gravity of the situation
MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa Flags Off Procession to Commemorate World Mental Health Day
In an effort to address the growing mental health crisis in Kenya, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), in partnership with over 15 institutions, including the Eldoret National Polytechnic, organized a major awareness event on Thursday to commemorate World Mental Health Day. Themed “Mental Health at Work,” the event featured a procession through Eldoret city to raise awareness about the importance of mental health support in the workplace and the broader community.
The day’s activities began with an awareness walk, symbolizing a collective effort to break the silence surrounding mental health issues. Speaking during the flag-off of the procession, Dr. Phillip Kirwa, CEO of MTRH, highlighted the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders in Kenya and the urgent need to tackle the issue at institutional levels.
“At least 7 out of every 10 patients at MTRH are diagnosed with mental health illnesses,” Dr. Kirwa said, underscoring the gravity of the situation. He pointed out that the work environment plays a critical role in shaping mental health outcomes, noting that burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression are becoming increasingly common among employees. “We need to enhance institutional mechanisms to help our employees cope with these challenges,” he added, stressing that such support could reduce the risk of serious mental health issues.
Dr. Kirwa’s remarks reflect a broader conversation taking place across Kenya and globally about the impact of mental health issues in the workplace, particularly in high-stress sectors like healthcare. This concern was echoed by Dr. Florence Jaguga, a psychiatrist at MTRH and Head of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Services. Dr. Jaguga emphasized the widespread nature of mental health issues, citing alarming global statistics.
“One in four people worldwide will be affected by mental health illnesses at some point in their lives, with 350 million currently suffering from depression,” Dr. Jaguga said, reiterating that mental illness does not discriminate. “As long as you are breathing, you are at risk of mental illness. Mental health affects us all,” she added.
Dr. Jaguga also spotlighted the mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers, a group that often goes unnoticed despite being on the frontlines of care. According to Dr. Jaguga, over 40% of doctors and health workers in Kenya experience mental health illnesses, primarily due to burnout and the emotional toll of their work. She observed that these issues were particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when healthcare workers faced unprecedented levels of stress.
“The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the immense pressure on healthcare workers, many of whom experienced severe burnout, anxiety, and depression,” Dr. Jaguga explained. “It is essential for institutions to put mechanisms in place to support their staff and create a healthy working environment. At MTRH, we are committed to providing such support to our employees.”
The challenges highlighted by Dr. Jaguga resonate beyond the healthcare sector. Many individuals and families continue to struggle with the stigma and isolation associated with mental illness. During the event, survivors of mental health issues shared their stories, shedding light on the often-hidden struggles people face.
One such survivor, Mercy Makena, a reformed alcohol addict, offered a personal account of her journey. She explained that her addiction began in college when she was introduced to alcohol by friends. Over time, she became dependent, which led to the loss of friendships and strained relationships with her family. “I lost support from the people I cared about the most,” Makena shared. “I reached a point where I realized I was sick and needed help, and that was when my recovery journey began.”
Makena’s testimony also drew attention to the growing problem of substance abuse among young people, particularly those in learning institutions. “Drug and alcohol abuse is a serious issue, especially among youth aged 15 to 24. It can lead to mental health illnesses if left unchecked,” she said. Her message was clear: addiction is treatable, and with the right support, individuals can overcome it. “For families dealing with an addict, please don’t give up on them. Addiction is a condition that can be treated, and victims can go on to live healthy, normal lives,” she advised, encouraging others to seek help without fear of judgment.
The procession was not only a symbol of solidarity with those suffering from mental health issues but also a call to action for institutions to prioritize mental health care. By collaborating with educational and healthcare institutions, MTRH hopes to drive home the message that mental health matters, particularly in the workplace.
The event also saw a broad range of stakeholders coming together to address the issue of mental health, including representatives from Eldoret National Polytechnic and other key partners. They called for stronger community-based interventions, such as mental health education, counseling services, and preventative measures to reduce the occurrence of mental health disorders.
As the procession moved through the city, it sparked discussions on the need to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. For many Kenyans, mental health remains a taboo subject, with individuals often hesitant to seek help for fear of being judged or ostracized. Dr. Kirwa and Dr. Jaguga emphasized that stigma is a significant barrier to effective treatment and that more must be done to create an environment where people feel comfortable seeking help.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Jaguga stressed that institutions should lead by example in providing mental health support. “We must create safe spaces for individuals to seek help without fear of stigma or judgment,” she said. “At MTRH, we are working to integrate mental health services into general healthcare to ensure that those who need help can access it.”
The World Mental Health Day commemoration in Eldoret served as a reminder that mental health is a critical issue that affects everyone. By strengthening mental health services, raising awareness, and reducing stigma, stakeholders hope to create a future where mental well-being is prioritized in all sectors of society, particularly in the workplace.
The collaborative effort between MTRH and its partners signals a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in Kenya. As awareness continues to grow, the hope is that more people will feel empowered to seek help, and institutions will adopt comprehensive mental health support systems, ensuring a healthier and more productive workforce.
About Author
