The National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, 'Kihineh?' has been launched.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih launched the National Social and Behaviour Change Communications Strategy on Prevention and Promotion of Mental Health and campaign on Monday.

They were launched as part of the Solih administration's policy on preventing and promoting mental health during an event held at Dharubaaruge.

Taking the podium at the event, President Solih reiterated that the administration has accorded high priority to ensuring the people's mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being since day one, adding that the administration has ensured inclusive physical and mental healthcare services for every citizen without discrimination and bias.

Shedding light on the significance of identifying mental health problems early, President Solih stressed on the importance of seeking assistance and starting treatment at an early stage.

He went on to note that the campaign will pave the way to promote social and behavioral change surrounding the current perceptions and attitudes accorded towards mental health.

Highlighting the role of family, friends as well as the society in supporting and helping people with mental health problems, President Solih talked about the administration's efforts to prevent and promote mental health.

As such, the president in March 2019 inaugurated the country's first mental health center at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

In addition to this, mental health coverage has also been included under the universal health insurance scheme ‘Aasandha’ and mental health services have also been expanded at Hulhumalé Hospital with the opening of the Mental Health Center on October 10, this year.

Further, five tertiary hospitals under development across the country also offer the service.

Launched with the incentive of addressing the high levels of stigma attached to mental health and related issues, promote awareness and understanding of these issues, and create a more tolerant, nurturing, and compassionate community, the ‘Kihinei?’ campaign is a one-year campaign.

It is an initiative undertaken in partnership with UNICEF Maldives.

Monday’s event was attended by Vice President Faisal Naseem, Ministers of the Cabinet, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives Paulo Sassarao as well as officials from UNICEF and government offices and institutions.