LIDDWA’s call for support for mental health care in Lira

19 June 2024, 5:56 pm

By Denish Ongora

Women with disabilities from Lira District Disabled Women Association (LIDDWA) advocate for better drug support for those facing mental health challenges. In a recent meeting with local health professionals, chaired by Apio Zela Beatrice, they emphasised the need for mental health units at Health Center III facilities.

On June 18, 2024, at the Lira District Council Hall, Apio Zela Beatrice, chairperson of the Lira District Disabled Women Association (LIDDWA), called for support for individuals with mental health issues and advocated for the inclusion of mental health units at all Health Center III facilities.

The chairperson of Mental Health Uganda Lira Association (MLTULA), Akullu Hilda Wacha, stated that mental illnesses can be cured if treated early. Akullu called on the government to support these individuals with non-refundable loans instead of including them in the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Lira City Medical Officer, Dr. Bernard Otucu, stated that only Health Center IV facilities and Lira Referral Hospital offer services for people with mental health problems. In Lira, these facilities include Ogur and Amac.

Lira District Assistant Health Officer, Aceka Edimon, said they used to provide cards to people with disabilities to help them access prompt health services with support from non-government organisations (NGOs). However, this has now stopped, and he called for support from district leaders.

The chairperson for persons with disabilities in Lira city, Omara Mathew, said that many people prefer taking individuals with mental health problems to witch doctors and churches instead of seeking medical treatment.

Lira city female workers’ councilor, Sarah Awor Angweri, partly attributed mental health issues to drug abuse. Ogwal Geoffrey, chairperson of the General Purpose Committee of Lira city, supported the initiative to print cards for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to assist them in accessing health services.

The meeting agreed to conduct a survey to determine the number of people with mental illness in Lira city and district. Councilors who attended stated their commitment to including a budget in FY 2025/2026 to support Lira babies home-Ngetta, specifically to care for children whose mothers are mentally handicapped and are residing at the facility.