Mental Health Awareness Week run from May 11th to 17th, 2026. The week aims to raise awareness about mental health, which is often neglected and stigmatized.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in every 8 people globally lives with a mental health condition. In low- and middle-income countries, like Ethiopia, more than 75% of people with mental health conditions do not receive the treatment and support they need due to limited resources, stigma, and lack of awareness.
In recognition of the week, St. Mary Hospital in Dubbo, Ethiopia, officially launched its new mental health awareness program with a session involving the Senior Management Team, Heads of Departments, and staff members.
The session focused on increasing awareness about mental health and addressing the stigma associated with mental health conditions in healthcare settings and the wider community. It was facilitated by Dr. Tsion, Medical Director and Project Manager of the Integrated Mental Health Project at St. Mary Hospital, alongside Dr. Asegid, Psychologist at St. Mary Hospital. Participants actively engaged in discussions and shared reflections on the importance of promoting mental well-being in the workplace and community.
Key discussions emphasized that mental health conditions can affect anyone regardless of age, profession, or background, and that stigma remains a major barrier to timely help-seeking and access to care. Participants also highlighted that mental health is often overlooked despite its significant impact on individual well-being, family relationships, and workplace productivity. The session encouraged open dialogue, empathy, and shared responsibility in supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Following the awareness session, participants toured several hospital facilities that demonstrate the institution’s ongoing commitment to mental health and psychosocial well-being. The fitness room was highlighted as a space designed to promote physical activity, stress reduction, and healthy lifestyles among staff and patients.
Participants also visited the counseling room, a confidential and supportive environment designed to provide psychological support, counseling services, and emotional care for individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.
In addition, the children’s play area was showcased as part of a family-friendly and child-centered care approach, providing a safe and engaging environment that supports emotional comfort, play, and psychosocial well-being during hospital visits, helping reduce fear and anxiety among pediatric patients and their families.
Participants expressed highly positive feedback, noting that the session significantly improved their understanding of mental health and encouraged more open conversations around emotional well-being and stigma reduction within the workplace and community.
This marks the beginning of mental health awareness activities at St. Mary Hospital. Throughout the coming days, similar awareness and engagement sessions will continue with patients, further strengthening understanding, reducing stigma, and promoting mental well-being across the hospital community.
St. Mary Hospital also extends its sincere appreciation to the Cabrini Global Health Commission for their generous support in making the Integrated Mental Health Project and awareness activities possible.
Thanks to sacredheartcabrini.org for this news!
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