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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 82696, member: 636"] A Gambian mental health law stuck in the past might finally get dragged into this century. The National Mental Health Programme started a multi-day consultation on a proposed new bill. This gathering at the ActionAid office in Kanifing pulled in government reps, civil society groups, and medical experts. The aim is to collect technical feedback before the bill heads to the cabinet and lawmakers. Director of Health Services Dr. Momodou T. Nyassi called the forum a major step for health system reform. He stated mental health care has been under-resourced and poorly regulated for a very long time. The proposed legislation seeks to place dignity and access at the center of care. It creates a unified legal framework for mental and substance use services. The draft bill aligns with international standards while aiming for local relevance. It proposes a national coordination body to govern these services. A rights-based approach guarantees community living, informed consent, and protection from degrading treatment. The bill also supports access to education, housing, and legal aid for affected individuals. World Health Organization representative Momodou Barrow pledged continued support for modernizing these laws. He noted existing legislation fails to reflect current service delivery needs or rights protections. The consultation allows stakeholders to shape a clear and implementable final law. National Mental Health Programme manager Jarra Marega said the draft results from years of technical work. The bill introduces safeguards against involuntary admission and integrates services into primary healthcare. It mandates community mental health teams and support systems for emergencies. Health Journalists Association president Sally Jarju highlighted the media's role in reducing stigma. She urged the health ministry to train reporters for accurate coverage of mental health issues. The proposed law would replace the Lunatic Detention Act, an outdated colonial-era law using stone-age terminology. Enactment would establish a Directorate of Mental Health Services and integrate care into all health levels. It provides legal protection from discrimination in jobs, schools, and healthcare settings. The process represents a concerted push to rebuild the nation's mental health governance from the ground up. [/QUOTE]

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