Mental illness support in Rwanda is left behind. Many of patients have no access to proper diagnosis, long term treatment, care or counseling and social integration. This project will allow NDUHURA Organization to integrate 500 of mental health patients in their social environment and advocate for their rights and raise awareness to reduce stigma through a community-based network of trained health professionals. With this help, we can change the lives of many of mentally ill patients in Rwanda.
Mental health in Rwanda is mournfully under-funded. Furthermore, patients of mental illness are treated far from their home; it disrupts normal daily life of their family and care givers. The stigma around it results in patients isolating themselves, being discriminated against and unable to provide for themselves and their families or have a social life. They are deeply distressed and suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn for help.
So far, NDUHURA organization takes care of 100 Young men in Muhanga District in psychotherapy. The organization is planning to advocate for treatment of primary health care, Reduction of stigma ,Doing information, Education and Communication (IEC) on mental health problems to related families and care givers, training of health professionals, community to fight drugs and other psycho active substance abuse .Payment of health insurance to poor families of sufferers of mental health illness.
Mental illness affects not only the patients, but their entire community. NDUHURA Organization works with caretakers ,health professionals ,local leaders to integrate the social environment life of 500 sufferers so as to make them independent and active members of society. When a patient improves, the whole community benefits. We also raise awareness about mental illness and advocate for patients' rights.
