The World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, has identified discrimination, poor working conditions, harassment, and lack of control as key triggers for workplace-related stress, which can have serious physical and mental health consequences.
In her message to commemorate the 2024 World Mental Health Day, Dr. Moeti emphasized the urgent need to prioritize mental health in the workplace and adopt stress management techniques, and seek support when necessary.
She highlighted that this year’s theme, “Healthy Minds at Work: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace,” underscores the vital role of mental well-being in fostering productivity and creating healthy work environments.
Despite the increasing global attention on mental health, Dr. Moeti revealed that as of 2020, only 8 of the 47 countries in the WHO African Region had mental health promotion programs in workplaces, and just 3 countries had active collaborations between mental health services and labour departments.
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This, she noted, will address the critical need for governments, employers, and individuals to take swift actions to protect and support mental health in the workplace.
To tackle these challenges, the WHO, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, has developed guidelines, urging governments to review employment and health policies, ensure non-discrimination, and create pathways for supported employment.
Dr. Moeti added, that employers are encouraged to integrate mental health into occupational safety systems, establish training programs for managers, and offer reasonable accommodations for workers dealing with mental health issues.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
