Friday, October 20, 2023 - Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital has celebrated the World Mental Health Day 2023, which is annually observed to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues.

Celebrated under this year's theme 'Mental health is a universal human right'; the ceremony was preceded by an exhibition of hospital services, and was attended by various officials, including RBC - Mental Health Division Manager, Dr. Darius Gishoma, Mr. Alphonse Rutarindwa, the Director of Health in Gasabo District, and Mr. Claver Haragirimana, Director of OPROMAMER, the umbrella organization of former service users.

After the exhibition held at the Hospital premises, the event was marked with speeches, performances and refreshment. Various speakers emphasized the role of mental health in human life and appreciated the role of Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital in the mental health care in Rwanda since its inception in late 1960s.

In his welcome remarks, speaking on behalf of the Director General of Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital, Dr Bizoza Rutakayile, declared that mental disorders are among most critical illnesses, as the Hospital recorded more than 95,000 patients in consultations, and more than 5,000 hospitalizations during the year 2022-2023. “And this is not just in Rwanda; the World Health Organization (WHO) says that at least one in five people have a mental health problem. Some people may be even ill without being aware of it,” he said.

Dr Rutakayile added that most people do not seek professional help because they think it is nothing out of the ordinary. “As our First Lady said during the CHOGM 2022, there is no health without mental health. We have a responsibility to teach the people everywhere at all levels, wherever we get an opportunity, using our knowledge, to teach them about mental health, and fight against the traditional beliefs linking the mental illnesses with curses and demonic attacks,” he added.

Mr. Claver Haragirimana, Director of OPROMAMER, appreciated the recognition of various partners in the preparation and celebration of mental health day. He said: “After hearing this year’s theme, we rejoiced. Mental patient’s rights had not been respected for a long time; among the reasons why we started our organization, mostly to advocate for ourselves.” Mr. Haragirimana also called on the ceremony attendees to do advocacy on the current challenges facing the mental patients, especially lack of health insurance for indigent patients.

Speaking on behalf of Gasabo District Executive Administrator, Mr. Alphonse Rutarindwa appreciated the collaboration between Gasabo District and the Hospital regarding care of mental patients, especially those with chronic disorders.

Dr Darius Gishoma, Mental Health Division Manager at Rwanda Biomedical center (RBC) reiterated the history of mental health care in Rwanda, and how before the existence of this hospital, the place for mental patients was the 1930 Prison. “It was inappropriate how someone would be taken to a punishment place just for their health issue,” he said.

“We would like to commend the work of Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital. The hospital has been for decades taking care of mental patients as a vocation,” he added.

The event was also marked by the performance of Itorero Twiyubake, a group of dancers from OPROMAMER.