The Queen Mother, 'Mamohato Bereng  Seeiso, has commended a mental health association (MHA) for its outstanding performance in mental health issues, despite the fact that it has newly been formed. In her written speech read by one of the officials of the association, during its one day meeting that was held at the United Nations (UN) house in Maseru on Sunday, Queen 'Mamohato said the association was only formed in 1996, but that it has already played a vital role in the improvement of mental health.

The Queen Mother  cited publications of mental health issues over local radio stations, newspapers, televisions and the holding of world health days, as a symbol of its surpassing performance. she indicated that, good health is no more a responsibility of
the ministry of health alone, but of all people. She expressed delight, over the nation's contribution in ensuring that it promotes good health." Even if a person's body is healthy, if that person has a mental disability, he/she is in danger," she explained.

Queen Mother 'Mamohato  pointed out that, there is a lot of work that the association still has to do, as alcohol and drug abuse is escalating at a very alarming rate in the country. she said alcohol and drugs bring a lot of fantasy to many people, but that people seem to ignore problems that occur when their effects emanate.

At  the same occasion, the Mental Health Association's chairperson, Mr. Malefetsane Masole, outlined problems of the association as lack of adequate time to hold meetings as members work at different government ministries, institutions, parastatals and
non-governmental organisations. He said the association's intention is to be affiliated to the World Federation for mental health, so that it could get similar benefits that their  counterparts, get.

The meeting that was attended by 15 members from districts of Maseru, Mohale's hoek and Berea, was aimed at reviewing achievements and making plans for this year. The mental health association was formed in 1996, with the aim of improving mental health in the country, as well as to get rid of its sources.

7 April 2003