​Mental health is a growing non communicable disease across many households in Gauteng heightened by substance abuse and the current economic status of the country. 

As a result, there has been an increase in a number of people presenting with Mental health disorders who require access and availability of mental health services across service centres in the province. 

 In order to reshape the aspiration for sound mental health as a fundamental human right, the Gauteng Department of Health is hosting the Mental Health Seminar from 26 – 27 October 2023 as part of efforts to strengthen integration of mental health services at all levels of care which requires an increase in resources including specialised mental health professionals and rehabilitation services. 

 The Seminar will be held under the theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” and will focus on the following various aspects which include the following: 

• Empowering civil society, health workers and other stakeholders on raising awareness about mental health, mental illness and promotion of the rights and responsibilities of mental healthcare users. 

 • All persons have the right to the best available mental health care which shall be part of the health and social care system.

• Bridging the gap in accessing Mental Health Services in the Province by ensuring integration at all levels of care and availing the required resources. 

• The issues that perpetuate mental health inequality in Gauteng Province. 

Members of the media are invited as follows: 

Date: Thursday, 26 October 2023 

Venue: Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg 

Time: 09h00 – 13h00 

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Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health