Kinshasa, June 5th, 2025 (CPA).- Early screening in new-borns was recommended to combat mental health problems on Thursday in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), by a mental health expert during a discussion. ‘We are calling for early screening of new-borns, nursery school children, primary school children, university students and pregnant women to enable timely treatment of diseases with the aim of combating mental health problems in DRC,’ has said Professor Daniel Okitundu, neurologist and medical director of the Nero-Psycho-Pathological Centre (CNPP). Professor Okitundu has said that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ‘there is no health without mental health. Mental health is therefore a crucial and fundamental aspect of health. It brings together the three aspects of health, namely physical, social and mental health,’ he has said.
He has said that in order to prevent mental health problems, it is necessary to address the general issue of mental hygiene, which applies in six areas, including sleep, diet and sexuality. Speaking about sexuality, the neurologist urged the population to practise responsible sexuality. ‘If you are not functioning well or are overdoing it, seek help from a doctor,’ he has advised.
The specialist also recommended physical exercise and regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol. He has defined mental health as a value, that is, ‘the well-being we need to overcome the normal stresses of life, perform productive and fruitful work, and contribute to the development of the community.’ The specialist stated that people who use cannabis, drugs, and cocaine are at risk of mental health problems, understood as a healthcare practice affecting people with problems that affect the brain and nerves.