Friday, February 7, 2025 {HMC} – According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people living with mental health disorders has been increasing over the past few years.
The most common mental health disorders include anxiety, depression, and other conditions affecting the human brain. These are largely driven by factors such as substance abuse, insecurity, and widespread unemployment.
The Somali region has been one of the areas where mental health issues have been a longstanding challenge, and the number of people living with these conditions continues to rise.
A joint report by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and the Mental Health Evaluation Institute, based in the United States, revealed that 4% of the population in the Somali region is affected by at least one type of mental health disorder. This condition ranks 9th on the list of general health problems in Ethiopia, indicating a significant increase in its prevalence.
Dr. Muuse Catoosh, head of the disease prevention department, stated that 5,000 individuals out of every 100,000 people in the Somali region suffer from mental health issues.
“Mental health disorders are mostly caused by genetic factors inherited from family members, but they are often exacerbated by stress, social exclusion, and substance abuse,” said Dr. Muuse.
He also noted that studies in the Somali region show that the most common mental health issues include anxiety, worry, and stress, which can escalate into more severe mental health problems, such as insanity.
Mental Health Care Center
The first mental health facility of its kind has been established in Eastern Ethiopia, funded by Somali women living abroad. It is located in the town of Dhagahbuur, in the Jarar region.
This new center, which was recently inaugurated, will serve individuals with mental health issues from various parts of the Somali region.
The women behind the establishment of this facility include Asli Xasan Cabaade, the first Somali woman to become a pilot. These women explained that they could no longer ignore the suffering of their people who suffer from mental health issues and lack access to appropriate care.
Muna Muxumad Gaas, the spokesperson for the organization behind the mental health center, said the reason for creating the center was the immense need for mental health care in the region.
“When we saw the existing need for care for people living with mental health disorders, the large number of such individuals, and the shortage of trained doctors, we decided to establish this center. In Jigjiga, patients are taken to different care facilities, where the conditions of their mental health vary,” Muna said.
She further emphasized that this center would serve people with mental health issues, especially those who do not have access to proper care or are unable to afford medical expenses.
“It is especially important for us to help those who cannot afford to seek medical treatment. We gather people from remote villages and other regions,” Muna added.
The Need for Mental Health Treatment Centers
Although there are limited centers providing mental health services, such as those within the Sultan Sheikh Hassan Yabar General Hospital in Jigjiga and another center in Qabridaharre, the need for more facilities to treat mental health disorders remains significant.
The newly established hospital in Dhagahbuur, which will soon start receiving patients, is expected to provide specialized care for mental health conditions. It will become the largest mental health facility of its kind in Eastern Ethiopia, dedicated exclusively to treating mental health disorders.
The Somali region has long been one of the areas in Ethiopia affected by instability, which has made many people vulnerable to mental health issues, as highlighted by reports from the Ministry of Health and independent organizations.
Source: BBC Somali
