Rotary Club of Lavington, Ministry of Health, Red Cross, Others Launch Mental Health Initiative
By Eric Ombok
The Rotary Club of Nairobi Lavington has partnered with other organizations in the launch of three initiatives — an AI mental health chatbot, mental health framework and USSD code – which are expected to revolutionize mental health support in Kenya.
The chatbot, which can be accessed at http://redcross.or.ke and the Kenya Red Cross social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger and Telegram, offers immediate assistance and resources via artificial intelligence technology. The USSD code (*789*1199#) provides support for users even without internet access.
“These initiatives are a significant step toward enhancing mental health support and accessibility for all, thanks to the Ministry of Health, GSM Association, Danish Red Cross, Microsoft, Pathways Technologies, the Rotary Club of Nairobi-Lavington and Africa’s Talking for making it possible,’’ according to the Kenya Red Cross Society
“If we invest in mental health, we can save over 5,000 lives and 161 billion shillings in productivity gains over a period of 10 years,” according to Dr. Mercy Karanja, the Head of the Mental Health Division at Kenya’s Ministry of Health.
Dr. Karanja is also a member of the Rotary Club of Syokimau and committee member of the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiative (RAGMHI) for District 9212.
The World Health Organization estimates that one in four people globally will experience mental health or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Here in Kenya, many suffer in silence due to stigma, lack of resources, and limited access to professional help.
Mental health is often overshadowed by physical health, yet it is just as important, District Governor Dr. Joe Kamau said. Currently, the mental health resources available under the initiative include assessments and information on psychosis, depression, anxiety, drug use, post traumatic stress disorder and gambling. The addition of assessments focused on maternal mental health is ongoing. Concurrently, process improvements are being implemented to enhance the user experience, he said.
“This joint mental health project addresses a critical need within our society,’’ Dr. Kamau said. This initiative provides a discreet, user-friendly platform for individuals to seek help, access information, and connect with mental health professionals.’’
