From left to right: PAHO/WHO representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Godfrey Xuereb, Minister of Health and Wellness Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, PAHO/WHO Subregional Programme Co-ordinator, Sandra Jones and the Caribbean Development Bank’s Director of Projects, Daniel Best, at the opening.
CHANGES COMING
Changes are set to be made to the Mental Health Act as the island seeks to place heavier emphasis on mental health reform.
Speaking at the opening of the Caribbean Regional Training of Trainers Meeting for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Disasters yesterday at the Pan American Health and World Health Organisations (PAHO/WHO) office, Minister of Health and Wellness, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic stated that having an adequate mental health system prior to an emergency situation is a national priority for disaster reduction.
“The capacity of a country to mobilise existing resources efficiently and effectively to organise an adequate mental health response will depend on the strength of its community-based mental health system and the existence of adequate policies, plans and legislation. A mental health component therefore has to be a part of the national health sector plan. My government, with PAHO’s assistance, is therefore putting emphasis on mental health reform through comprehensive strategies to implement changes to the Mental Health Act 1985 in a holistic and co-ordinated approach,” he stated.
While the region was well aware of the need for medical first aid following a disaster, Bostic admitted that the provision of Psychosocial First Aid was a relatively new concept, and insisted that it was being demonstrated as essential.
“Research has shown that exposure to disasters intensifies trauma. It cannot be overly stressed that it is essential for countries to have comprehensive and dynamic disaster management structures in order to cope. Psychosocial intervention is one of the important aspects in the comprehensive chain of mental health cares after disaster and is an important factor in preventing mental health problems after disasters and in creating suitable social support,” he said.
He therefore commended PAHO for its foresight in developing the trainers’ programme, which optimises resources and enhances the capacity of individual countries to respond to disasters. (JMB)