Mbabane: As the economic and social impact of the pandemic is rapidly expanding, and so does a rise in the mental health conditions.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Antonio Gueterres said due to the expansion of the effects of the pandemic in economic and social livelihoods, a rise in mental conditions like depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. Gueterres said this is affecting all people from all walks of life. For instance health workers are faced with heavy workloads, life or death decisions and high risk of exposure to the infection.
Children and adolescents whose daily routines are affected are also not spared. The pandemic has forced schools to close leaving the children in dilemma as the normal circumstances is changed. Young-energetics are not at work, some retrenched, some were not working hence could not continue to look for jobs either.
The WHO chief said support for mental health must be integrated into every component of national responses to COVID-19. He said this opportunity should used in creating health services that are fit for future: inclusive, community based and affordable.
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