Panama City, 04 April 2017 (PAHO/WHO) - Dozens of families and individuals took part in a walk organized by the Ministry of Health on April 3, which marked the beginning of World Health Day commemorating activities in Panama.
For Itza Barahona de Mosca, General Health Director, the walk is a call for all citizens to be aware of depression, a disease that can even lead people to lose their desire to live. She recommended those with symptoms of depression to seek help at the nearest health center.
Dr. Gerardo Alfaro, PAHO/WHO Representative in Panama, explained there are still barriers and stigmas that prevent people from talking about their feelings, thus hindering an early therapeutic approach to depression. This has a negative impact on health and welfare, generating high economic and social costs due to disabilities caused by depression. It is necessary to inform and raise awareness so that those who feel depressed can talk and seek help.
Simultaneously, social mobilization activities were carried out in other provinces of the country. There were walks led by the Ministry of Health in Colón, Chiriquí, Los Santos and Guna Yala.
