The UHAS Students’ Representative Council (SRC) launched the 9th SRC Week celebration on the theme, “Empower and Embrace: A Journey to Holistic Mental and Reproductive Health” on August 7.
In order to shun the stigma surrounding mental health and have a holistic approach towards victims of mental illness, Vice Chancellor Professor Lydia Aziato said, there is the need for both students and counselors to practice confidentiality. Hence, “we will impress on the personnel that will be assigned to the counseling office to ensure confidentiality”. The VC reiterated that the University is committed to the mental, physical and social wellbeing of students so far as the reproductive health of students is concerned, adding that measures are far advanced to set up a dedicated space for a clinic and a counseling section to help promote mental health services in the University.
Dr. Teata Duut, Executive Director of Zomuja Mental Health Foundation, also encouraged the students to journal their way through mental health by identifying the problems and root causes of their mental challenges, practice peer support, and seek counseling for the collective good of the University community. He also noted that his outfit has developed a digital application for mental health counseling and other services that will be used to advocate for change and promote mental health among students across the country.
Dr. Eugene Dordoye, Head of Psychological Medicine and Mental Health Department at the School of Medicine, also focused on the science behind the brain and the development it undergoes, and how it affects the thinking process of humans through education. He assured the students that “you are fortunate to be in a health institution that is committed and dedicated to health for development.” He challenged them to take advantage of the support system and resources, practice self-awareness and self-care, and be proactive in their decision making with regards to their mental and reproductive health.
Subsequently, Ms. Patrice Robertson, Founder and Executive Director of Eclectic Love, advised the students to stay safe and protect themselves from STIs and STDs, especially with the prevalent rate of HIV cases that is on the rise in the country.
In attendance was the Dean of Students, Professor Judith Anaman; the Director of Academic Affairs, Mr. Cedric Dorkenoo, and other faculty and staff of the University.