Kingston, Jamaica, October 12, 2023 (PAHO/WHO) - The Ministry of Health and Wellness, Jamaica and the Jamaica Psychiatric Association collaborated with the University of the West Indies and the Pan American Health Organization in recognizing World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2023, with the hosting of a national two-day Mental Health Conference held on October 10-11 at the Jamaica Conference Centre. The hybrid conference saw approximately 500 participants in attendance.
The conference opened with a range of speakers including the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. All issued a clarion call for people, families, communities, and nations to unite behind the theme, “Mental health is a universal human right.” This right includes improving knowledge, raising awareness, and driving actions that promote everyone’s mental health. The carefully and aptly chosen theme, "Our Minds, Our Rights," comes on the back end of the COVID-19 pandemic, with individuals, families, and communities still experiencing short and long-term impacts of the pandemic on their individual mental wellness and the provision of adequate mental health services.
Despite the efforts being made to promote well-being in recent times, especially at the community level, people with mental health conditions continue to experience a wide range of human rights violations. Many are excluded from family and community life and discriminated against. Globally, one in eight people is living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, well-being, how they connect with others, and their livelihoods.
The discussions underscored the fact that we all have a right to live our lives free from stigma and discrimination in our families, schools, workplaces, and communities. The role of the community in mental wellness cannot be underestimated as social connectedness facilitates positive mental well-being. A sense of community belonging and inclusive connectedness in our schools, churches, workplaces, and neighborhoods can only lead to positive overall well-being.
