We had a first of its kind Dance for Mental Health Zumbathon (Zumba dance marathon) celebrating World Mental Health Day 2018 that brought together those who are afflicted, caregivers and practitioners, allowing them to interact and ask first line questions, also helping them understand how the treatment works when we approach them for help. There is a preconceived mindset about talk therapy which blocks people from reaching out when help is needed. So, in bringing them all to the same space, we were breaking the barrier walls, giving them a face and allowing their voices to be heard by those who are so in need of their services
The chief guest was the Deputy Minister of Health in charge of Primary Healthcare Dr. Moriku Kaducu who came out publicly in her speech, for the first time, to say she too suffered from depression for 6 months, after a long illness so she accepted our invitation without hesitation. She was accompanied by Dr. Hafsa Lukwaata Sentongo who heads the Mental Health Desk at the Ministry.
The Director of Butabika Hospital also graced the function along with his team of doctors, nurses and some former patients.
