THE World Health Organisation (WHO) office here says it is committed towards the Mental Health Campaign locally and abroad.
WHO Representative Dr Sevil Huseynovo made the statement when speaking at the World Mental Health day celebration in Honiara, Thursday.
Huseynovo said in the WHO Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020, member states – including Solomon Islands – have committed themselves to working towards the global target of reducing the suicide rate in countries by 10% by 2020.
She said the theme suicide prevention is very important given that suicide is one of the priority conditions in the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme launched in 2008.
“The program provides evidence-based technical guidance to close the treatment gap between the need for treatment and the provision of treatment,” she said.
Huseynovo said as part of that programme, WHO has provided training for Solomon Islands health workers on basic assessment and management of common mental disorders.
“My office has also provided technical assistance in the development of national mental health policy, and for revisions to the mental health law to align with best practices and current standards, including addressing disability rights,” she added.
Huseynovo said WHO has also funded several health workers to receive specialised training on mental health by attending an international fellowship program.
Not only that, she said they are currently providing technical assistance on the revising of medication guidelines.
By IAN M.KAUKUI
