The Minister of State for Primary Healthcare Joyce Kaducu has said that depression is prevalent among women in the northern region who have just given birth.
Ms Kaducu noted that depression is the second leading cause of death for people aged between 15 and 29 around the globe and urged Ugandans with signs of depression to go for counseling and treatment at health centers around the country.
‘’Studies show high prevalence of depression in Northern Uganda with less cohesive districts common among women who have just given birth with 17.4%; if it is not handled in childhood it can be severe in adulthood though it is a preventable and curable illness,’’ the minister said ahead of preparations for the World Health Day to be commemorated under the theme “Depression: Let’s Talk”.
Further, the Minister noted that half of the people who experience symptoms of depression like irritability, restlessness and attempted suicide never get diagnosed or treated for their illness.
However, she said the Ministry of Health has trained Primary Health Care workers who can diagnose the signs and prescribe the available psychosocial interventions at all medical facilities across the country.
