Emerge New Woman, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting mental health support and well-being of women in collaboration with the Mental Health Authority has launched the purple month dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues.
The launch of Purple Month has been designated as a mental health awareness month by the Mental Health Authority and as such must be celebrated to create the much-needed awareness.
This is also aimed at raising awareness and support for individuals with mental health issues.
The theme for the event “moving collectively for our mental health” underscores the need for collaborative efforts between government and the private sector in winning the fight against mental health.
Speaking at the launch of the purple month, The Chief Executive Officer of Emerge New Woman Foundation Lady Mae indicated that the fight against mental health is a collective one and needs the collaboration of all to win the fight.
“Our mission is simply to provide and support women’s mental health. As an organisation, we must stand tall in this regard. The focus is to educate the people of the Central Region on mental health issues. Mental Health Authority is doing its best but I think there is room for improvement.
“We must give the same attention we give to malaria and other diseases to mental health. Mental health issues are high in Ghana. The World Health Organisation estimates that over 2.3 million of the population of Ghana are affected by mental health issues. We are working in collaboration with the Mental Health Authority to sensitize the people of the region on mental health issues,” Lady Mae said.
The Metropolitan Director of Health for Cape Coast Samuel Kwabena Ofosu underscored the need for special attention to be given to mental health issues adding that the coming onboard of the Emerge New Woman Foundation will change the narrative.
“I have had some experiences working with mental health patients and would like to emphasize the need for us to look at this issue again. The challenge has got to do with sensitization and awareness and so the Emerge New Woman foundation is here to faction out a plan to address these challenges,” he added.