16 May 2024 | The Western Visayas Region, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines, gathered 7 provinces across 6 regions under the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health. Together with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and international development partners from USAID, DFAT, and UNICEF, and mental health leaders from the provinces of Aklan, Iloilo, Leyte, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Agusan del Sur, and Maguindanao joined the meeting in the island of Boracay.
The Philippines is one of the early implementers of the WHO Director General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health. The initiative aims to create sustainable mental health policies; increase access to quality services; and strengthen mental health research and information systems.
(from left to right) Dr Jasmine Vergara, WHO Philippines Technical Officer for Mental Health; Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Philippines Country Representative, Aklan Gov Jose Enrique Miraflores, Kalinga Provincial Gov James Edduba at the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health in the Philippines (c) DOH-Western Visayas
Supporting the WHO Director General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health, leaders shared lived experiences and revisited existing mental health programmes in their respective localities and communities. The visioning exercises and engaging poster presentations allowed leaders to view from different angles what it means to effectively deliver quality mental health services for all. They emphasised that integrated health services and whole-of-society actions can strengthen mental health programmes and make quality mental health services attainable at the primary health care level.
Poster display of mental health programmes and initiatives implemented in 7 focus sites (c) DOH-Western Visayas
“Reshaping the determinants of mental health requires action beyond the health sector and so the promotion and prevention programmes should involve the education, labour, justice, transport, environment, housing, and welfare sectors”, said Dr Adriano Suba-an, DOH Western Visayas Center for Health Development Director.
.jpg?sfvrsn=21f7b29c_5)
Copies of the World Mental Health Report and Regional Framework for the Future of Mental Health in the Western Pacific 2023-2030 distributed to participants at the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health in the Philippines (c) DOH-Western Visayas
Making quality mental health services available to local communities requires informed leadership and commitment, which can be attained by training leaders and building capacities around health systems management in the municipal, provincial, and regional levels.“We cannot overemphasise prioritising the implementation of policies to promote mental well-being and ensure access to mental health services for all. The enactment of Republic Act 11036, otherwise known as the Mental Health Law, serves as a cornerstone in ensuring that mental health is given the attention and resources it deserves within our communities,” said Assistant Secretary Lilian de Leon of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
The Philippine Health Sector’s 8-Point Action Agenda Para sa Healthy Pilipinas, Ginhawa ng Isip at Damdamin amplifies people-centered efforts to reduce premature deaths; prevent and treat substance abuse; and decrease the chances of individuals to have mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. Aligning their visions with global and national policies, the leaders solidified their accountability and commitment to ensure sustainability of their mental health programmes.
WHO Philippines commits to convene leaders and co-plant seeds of hope to make quality mental health services always a reality among Filipino communities. Mental health leaders went back to their provinces and regions with a pledge to sustain and improve mental health services, integrate mental health into other health programmes, and champion primary-based mental health care.
“One of the health systems building blocks is leadership and governance. Hence, we can only ensure proper functions of health organisations and institutions if we train our leaders and provide them with the right tools to execute their role in leading their communities towards healthier lives. The right tools will ensure that people in the community benefit from timely, reliable, sustained, and integrated health services,” said Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines.