Half of mental illnesses begin in childhood – health ministry
“Childhood is a critical period. If we do not address these mental health issues early, children may develop permanent complications because a significant amount of time is lost during the illness,” Kalani warned.
Dr Kenneth Okware Kalani described mental health as a cross-cutting issue that affects people throughout their lives
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Nearly 50% of mental illnesses start before the age of 14, yet they are often identified in the late teenage years or even during adulthood, a senior ministry of health official has revealed.
Dr Kenneth Okware Kalani, a psychiatrist and senior medical officer at the Mental Health Division of Uganda's Ministry of Health, noted that children are disproportionately affected when it comes to mental illness and health.
“Childhood is a critical period. If we do not address these mental health issues early, children may develop permanent complications because a significant amount of time is lost during the illness,” Kalani warned.
Kalani made the remarks during the National Dialogue on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Children in Displacement held in Kampala on May 13.
The event, held in May which is the mental health awareness month, was themed “Positioning Children’s Mental Health at the Centre of Service Delivery and Policy Conversations.” It was organised by the Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University, and gathered policymakers, mental health experts, and development partners to discuss ways of improving child mental health services.
Kalani emphasised that ignoring children’s mental health is not just a personal issue; it affects the whole society.
“If we do not deliberately identify and support children with mental health issues, we are surrendering our future. Uganda thrives because its people are mentally healthy, productive, and able to contribute to society. Mental illness can undermine that ability, and its effects can continue into adulthood,” he observed.
He noted that children will eventually grow up to manage and lead the country, adding; “It’s crucial that children are factored into all efforts to address mental health.”
“There can’t be health without mental health. The brain is the powerhouse, it shapes how we interpret the world, learn, work, cope with daily stress, and contribute to society. This is why mental health, especially in children, must be a priority.”
According to the 2024 national census report, 42.3% of Uganda’s population is below 14 years, while those under 30 years are 70% of the population. Uganda has a population of 45.9 million people.
“With the growing determinants of mental illness, including biological, social and environmental factors, children are particularly vulnerable. Some of these determinants are difficult to eliminate, so we must modify our systems to support their mental well-being,” Kalani said.
Kalani explained the long-term importance of early intervention. “We have to adapt our systems to identify and support children’s mental health. Only then can we ensure that we will have adults capable of taking care of society as they age.”
He said the ministry is particularly committed to advancing mental health services, both generally and specifically for children.