MoPH launches mental health, wellbeing awareness campaign

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medicine, Naufar and Qatar Red Crescent Society launched a mental health and wellbeing awareness campaign, 'Are You OK?', aimed at encouraging people to talk more openly about their emotional wellbeing. As part of the World Mental Health Day 2021 activities, MOPH and healthcare partners are initiating a national awareness campaign.

Building on the success of last year's campaign, this year's 'Are You OK?' campaign is a collaboration with participating organizations across Qatar that aims to encourages everyone to talk more openly about our mental health. By asking a relative, friend or colleague 'Are you OK?', and by asking it in the right way, this can help to start a conversation with someone we care about who may be finding it difficult to speak openly about their struggles.

Dr. Kholoud Al Mutawa, Head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Section at the Ministry of Public Health, stated: "The Ministry has paid great attention in promoting mental health for all segments of society, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the impact it had on mental health of the population. Therefore, the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with its health partners has started many interventions to reduce the pandemic negative impact.

She also added: " "Are you ok" campaign seeks primarily to attract and drive as many members of the community to combat the stigma and talk about their mental health, as this is the first step to enhance awareness of how to deal with the pressures of daily life and avoid anxiety and stress, as well as interact with others and make good decisions.