Mental health can be affected and influenced by a variety of socio-economic factors including poverty, lack of social protection, low living standards, unhealthy work environments, access to quality education and health care and limited community support, chronic health conditions, use of alcohol and drugs, as well as violence in conflicts, natural disasters and abuse situations. All the factors need to be paid attention to and addressed through a comprehensive strategy, including promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation involving various stakeholders with a 'Whole-of-Nation' approach.

The Minister of Health emphasised the matter while officiating the Launch of the Brunei Darussalam Mental Health Action Plan Book 2022 to 2025, yesterday morning, at Dewan Serambi Suluh, Tarindak D'Seni, Bandar Seri Begawan. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Md Isham bin Haji Jaafar added that from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the last 2 years, the gaps and challenges faced by the public and the health system, including the health workforce, have become more significant in tackling mental health issues thus reflecting the need to be more efficient and resilient in the health system.

Currently, it is estimated that approximately 7,000 individuals of all ages including children and adolescents are undergoing mental health treatment in the Department of Psychiatry in hospitals and community health centres. This also raises concerns when there are also a number of people determined to commit suicide. Brunei Darussalam is aware of the importance of the issue and has shown commitment not only in overcoming the issue at the national level, but has also given recognition to its importance at the global level.

The ceremony coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health through the Health Promotion Centre and 5 non-governmental organisations, NGOs. It aimed at fostering cooperation and opening up opportunities including capacity building for non-governmental organisations in order to increase knowledge and public awareness on the importance of mental health and well-being. With the 4 key strategies of the Brunei Darussalam Mental Health Action Plan 2022 to 2025, its production is based on the Comprehensive Mental Action Plan 2013 to 2030 issued by the World Health Organisation, WHO.