Vickie Mlilo to present on mental health in Ghana

Herald Reporter

Local mental health advocate, Vickie Mlilo-Maponga, is expected to join other top speakers and experts at the inaugural Africa Health Summit in Ghana next week.

In an interview yesterday, Mlilo-Maponga said she was optimistic that she will gain knowledge “on things I am not aware of and return to implement them in our country”.

“Mental health is an integral part of our daily lives; it’s in the workplace, in schools and everywhere.

“That is why we are seeing issues like substance abuse among kids. Mental health is intertwined with everything and everyone and you can’t separate it from any aspect of life,” she said.

Mlilo-Maponga, a ZBC news anchor, recently received the People’s Choice and Wellbeing Award at the 2024 Women Changing the World Awards in New York. The award is a prestigious recognition for women who are making a positive impact globally.

The first Africa Health Summit is being organised by Global Skills Hub UK and partners. It offers an opportunity for Africa to harness its human capital, raise mental health awareness and foster support in the workplace, paving the way for a healthier and more productive continent.

The summit comes amid revelations that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$1 trillion each year in lost productivity.

It runs from July 25 to 26, under the theme, “Enhancing mental health and general wellbeing in the workplace: A call to action”.

The summit will unite industry leaders, mental health experts and professionals from across Africa, featuring renowned speakers including Professor Alexander Owolabi from Nigeria, Mr Jerry Vreeman from the United States and Ms Gloria Amosah Arhin from Ghana, among others.

Prof Ulrich Hegerl, president of the European Alliance Against Depression and Dr Victor Matabane, chairman of the APAS Health Committee and a distinguished psychiatrist from South Africa, are expected to deliver keynote addresses.

Organisers say the summit presents a unique opportunity for Africa to harness the potential of its human capital and foster a culture of mental health awareness and support in the workplace.