The Ministry of Health and Prevention has launched an awareness campaign on psychological health and related disorders under the slogan 'Live Life.' Running from October 10 to 17, 2016 in conjunction with the World Mental Health Day, the project was revealed during a Ministry-organized event participated in by H.E. Dr. Youssif Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Ministry of Health and Prevention Hospitals Sector; H.E. Dr. Muna Al Kuwari, Director of the Ministry's Specialized Healthcare and the National Mental Health Program; and representatives of different local health firms and institutions.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of mental disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, which are reasonably typical conditions, inning accordance with research, in addition to clarify the vision and objectives of the MOHAP National Mental Health Programme and what has actually been attained up to today time along with to clarify the present projects and future strategies.

The awareness project will include awareness lectures and distribution of booklets about anxiety and stress and anxiety and screening survey for anxiety and depression in Primary Health Care centers, malls and universities and an extensive media project targeting local newspapers, radio, television and social media will be launched as part of the seven-day awareness program.

H.E Dr. Al Serkal mentioned that the strategic plan of the National Mental Health Programme intends to provide extensive high quality mental health services that are based on evidence and best practice, along with the advancement of neighborhood psychiatric services for patients with persistent conditions. The mental health program is based upon key policies, legislations, and programs and is an outcome of reliable local and worldwide partnerships. This technique is lined up with the government's effort to improve the lifestyle in the country and bring happiness to UAE citizens and residents. Similarly, H.E. Dr. Al Serkal revealed that Al Amal Hospital has actually opened its new system offering community psychiatric services. The health center based community mental health group offers routine home visits for chronic patients with frequent regressions, senior patients with dementia and patients incapable of going to health facilities to supply healthcare, psychological therapy and social and family support.

H.E. Dr. Al Serkal included that the Day Care Center will be opened in the brand-new medical facility to provide patients with chronic mental disorder with extensive psychosocial and occupational rehab programs. The new healthcare facility will likewise establish a special office to accommodate volunteers who wish to offer support to patients. In line with medical facility policies and procedures, all volunteers will go through unique training, especially on elements relating to security and safety and securing the clients' personal health records. He also explained the have to motivate clinical research study activities on mental health.

For his part, H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdel-Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry's Health & Prevention Assistant for Health Centers and Clinics Sector, stated the Ministry has started integration of mental health services into primary health care centers to guarantee the clients' physical and mental well-being. The Ministry is actively motivating scientific research, the advancement of an efficient infotech system, and the establishment of an analytical database on mental health illnesses.

Dr. Al Kuwari stated: "The Ministry released the awareness campaign, which includes lectures and other essential activities, to put the spotlight on psychological health diseases, which affect about 20 percent of the world's population each year as a result of the altering lifestyle in a fast-paced environment and growing number of elderly individuals. We aim to highlight the importance of prevention and early intervention, with the provision of screening programs, essential drugs by health centers; promote communication between primary healthcare and specialized mental health centers in hospitals; and identify mental health indicators in primary healthcare information system.