First Lady Fazna Ahmed has underscored the critical role of mental health in overall well being and emphasised that mental health is not a secondary concern but an integral part of personal health. She made these remarks in her keynote address at the Oevaru Mental Health Conference, a two-day event initiated by the National Centre for Mental Health held to discuss ways to address mental health issues.
In her address, First Lady Fazna acknowledged that mental health fosters open discussions, reduces stigma, and encourages society to demand that policymakers, health practitioners, and individuals prioritise mental health. She noted that the conference's theme, Changing Currents: Forming Connections, is particularly relevant in the ever-changing world. She added that while individuals cannot always control what happens, they can shape the way they respond. She said that the strength of their response depends on political will, data availability, capacity, and collaboration.
Additionally, First Lady Fazna highlighted the current administration's efforts to promote mental health and provide mental health care services. She noted that the political will to prioritise mental health in the Maldives has led to the establishment of the National Centre for Mental Health. This has resulted in the expansion of in-patient psychiatry services, increased Aasandha coverage for therapeutic services, promotion of physical fitness and sports as part of a healthy lifestyle, increased mental health training, provision of higher education scholarships in the field of mental health, and expansion of mental health services beyond the Greater Male' Region.
However, First Lady Fazna acknowledged that current data on mental health in the Maldives is limited and outdated. She noted that to prevent and support mental health issues effectively, experts need comprehensive data to identify when and where interventions are most effective. She also stressed the need to enhance the country's capacity for mental health support through early detection, prevention, and decentralised access to services. She advocated for greater collaboration within society and emphasised that learning from each other is crucial to overcoming resource limitations and avoiding duplication.