Mental illness cases are on the rise in the country most of which are directly linked to drug abuse as shown by reports from Mental Health Department in the Ministry of Health.
The Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital has reportedly registered an increased number of patients with mental illness seeking services at the facility.
Statistics provided by the Ministry of Health indicate that that mental illness cases have spiked from 440 in 2009 to over 994 cases in 2010.
Reports also indicate that the Neuropsychiatric Hospital has received 1,099 cases of mental illness related to drug abuse representing about 8% of cases at the facility.
The head of Mental Health Division at Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Dr. Yvonne Kayiteshonga, said 7.46% of the Rwandan youth are alcohol dependent with 4.88 % depending on tobacco while 2.54% of them are cannabis dependant.
She has urged all stakeholders to play a role in combating the vice, noting that the biggest drug abusers in Rwanda are youth.
The Newtimes
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