Safaricom gives Sh50m to boost mental health

What you need to know:

Mathari is the only public health facility that caters for patients suffering from mental disorders in Kenya.
The hospital has a 622 bed capacity and handles 60,000 out-patient visits annually.
The renovation of Mathari Hospital is one of the eight Kenya@50 legacy projects that are being funded through partnerships with private sponsors.

Patients suffering from mental illnesses will soon access improved health care services after the Safaricom Foundation donated Sh50 million for rehabilitating the Mathari Hospital.

Mathari is the only public health facility that caters for patients suffering from mental disorders in Kenya.

“The foundation will refurbish three wards, purchase beds and office furniture and upgrade laundry facilities at the hospital,” Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore said during the launch of the funding partnership with the government.

The hospital has a 622 bed capacity and handles 60,000 out-patient visits annually. The renovation of Mathari Hospital is one of the eight Kenya@50 legacy projects that are being funded through partnerships with private sponsors.

Official estimates show that one in every four Kenyans suffers from a mental health disorder in a lifetime but only one case out of every 100 is detected and treated.

“Too few Kenyans can find the care they so urgently need. And even when they do, it is often unaffordable,” First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said during the launch.

Health secretary James Macharia said negative stereotypes and stigma associated with mental health disorders discouraged patients from seeking timely interventions.

“My ministry will also aim at curbing drug abuse as it contributes immensely to mental health disorders especially among people in the coastal region,” Mr Macharia added.