St. Kitts and Nevis Government in association with the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), has launched the Mental Health Service System Enhancement Project. It was launched to help and strengthen the offerings and accessibility of mental health services in the Federation.

Reportedly, the project was formalised by the official signing of the agreement between both the governments. Prime Minister and Minister of Health – Dr. Terrance Drew signed on behalf of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, whereas Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Federation – Michael Lin signed the agreement on behalf of the government of Taiwan.

PM Drew considered the signing of the agreement and said that it was signed to launch the Mental Health Service System Enhancement Project, which is designed to strengthen the services and access to mental wellness care in the Federation.

He emphasised that mental wellness is important especially at the time where a significant percentage of the people need access to mental wellness care to enhance their overall well-being.

Prime Minister Drew mentioned that he made a commitment to the people that access to mental wellness services, which would be a significant pillar of the revamped healthcare system. Mental wellness will get the necessary investment as any other sphere of health, as it is critical in establishing a sustainable island state.

He extended his gratitude to the Republic of China (Taiwan) who partnered with them to expand the access to mental wellness care.

With this project, St. Kitts and Nevis looks forward to reduce the gaps in the prevention, screening, early detection and treatment of mental health disorders including anxiety, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.

PM Drew also stated that the significance of the project mainly focuses on the prevention and control of mental health disorders which is amplified and given the steady increase in mental health diagnosis particularly coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that the whole world went through a traumatic event such as COVID where people didn’t know if they would live or die and that is significant mental stress and trauma for some.

Minister of Health said that his government has already invested many resources towards addressing the mental health and noted that investments will continue so that more people can receive the treatment that they need.

Dr. Drew who also recorded his appreciation, said that they have hired more psychologists, have sought to get more family counsellors which his office created as a fund, personally, to support because they need more family counsellors to support the people at the grassroots level, by offering them the care they deserve. For this they have invested a lot and the project is a part of the further investment.

Ambassador Michael Lin also said that his government is cognizant of the inextricable link between physical and mental health. Lin mentioned that the agreement signed underscores the importance of the public awareness and educational component of the project.

Lin added to his statement that a society which is well educated about the mental health would encourage people to reach out and ask for help when they need it. He highlighted that the new project will continue the efforts and will also conduct education sections to share knowledge and information about the mental health with the general public.

Furthermore, the project will run for a period of three years until July 2027 and will be implemented through technical cooperation between the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan, through the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF).

Notably, the Mental Health Service System Enhancement Project is the third ICDF-supported health project in St. Kitts and Nevis. The first project focused on the prevention and control of chronic kidney diseases, while the second project focused on the prevention and control of chronic metabolic diseases.