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Freedom Mutanda
Correspondent
Tongogara Refugee Camp and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) yesterday commemorated World Mental Health Day in style by holding a fun run to raise awareness and bring attention to mental illness issues and its impact on people’s lives.
World Mental Health Day is globally celebrated annually on October 10 to promote mental health education and advocate against social stigma and discrimination.
50 participants drawn from all ages took part in the fun run, with all of them reaching the finishing line.
The participants received medals at the end of the occasion.
MSF mental health activity manager, Ms Janet Mukurumbira, said communities should mobilise efforts and support initiatives around mental health in order to build resilience.
“People are like trees planted by the riverside; when the riverbed is heavy with water our roots sink and we feel the burden. When the riverbed is light, our roots are stronger and we flourish,” she said.
Ms Mukurumbira said providing psychological support through various activities from individual supportive talks and group discussions; psycho-educational support groups as well as recreational activities are the key three pillars of mental health programmes.
She added that these aim to strengthen people’s resilience and coping mechanisms.
A 60-year-old refugee from Democratic Republic of Congo, Ms Gikela Mulondani Sebastien, said she had benefited from the mental health programme.
“Participating in the fun run has helped me lift my mind. I am grateful to Tongogara Refugee Camp, Government and MSF for such initiatives and other programmes aimed at tackling mental health issues,” said Ms Sebastien.
Online Reporter