BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Minister of Health Datuk Seri Setia Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar called for strengthened national preparedness and access to mental health services during disasters and emergencies, in commemoration of World Mental Health Day 2025.
This year, Brunei joins global partners in observing the annual event under the theme, ‘Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies’, as designated by the World Federation for Mental Health.
The minister highlighted that disasters and emergencies are not limited to natural catastrophes, conflicts or public health crises, but also encompass personal tragedies such as fires, accidents and serious physical illnesses.
“The theme reminds us that in times of crisis, human mental, emotional and spiritual well-being are among the most vulnerable aspects,” he said. He noted that recent years have shown how mental well-being can be easily disrupted by extraordinary challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic, he added, caused widespread psychological strain, including trauma, anxiety and distress that affected individuals, families and entire communities.
This was reflected in the increased number of calls received by the Talian Harapan 145 helpline during the pandemic, indicating the psychosocial impact the nation experienced during that period. He emphasised that this year’s theme serves as a call to prioritise mental health in every national emergency response plan, adding, “This is a vital strategy not only for saving lives but also for strengthening the resilience of our communities.”
The minister explained that psychological effects from crises are normal human reactions that can affect anyone, regardless of background or resilience. While many can recover with support, others may develop mental disorders such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, which require professional care.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring integrated and accessible mental health services within primary healthcare and social care systems.
The minister highlighted the need for proactive prevention and preparedness measures aligned with the Maqasid Syariah, particularly the principle of safeguarding the intellect (hifz al-‘aql), noting that strengthening mental health support for disaster victims and frontline workers is a national priority.
He also called for the development of comprehensive psychosocial support systems, trained personnel and clear guidelines within Brunei’s disaster risk reduction strategies.
Additionally, he urged a culture of empathy, compassion and openness, allowing individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.
One of the initiatives proposed by the World Federation for Mental Health involves engaging community and religious leaders in supporting disaster victims.
Since 2024, the Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, has conducted Basic Mental Health Training for community leaders, including imams, certified religious officers (daie), penghulu Mukim and village heads.
These efforts aim to equip leaders with skills to provide support and assistance, particularly during emergencies and disasters. The ministry is also developing training programmes in Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), which are evidence-based approaches built on the concept of human resilience.
These programmes are designed to reduce psychological distress and aid recovery following crises or personal challenges.
“Just like First Aid training for physical injuries, PFA and MHFA provide essential early support before professional intervention is available,” he explained.
These initiatives also fulfil one of the priority actions under Strategy 2 of the Brunei Darussalam National Mental Health Action Plan 2022-2025.
In closing, the minister reaffirmed the government’s whole-of-government and whole-of-nation commitment to strengthening mental health infrastructure and delivering improved services during crises.
“The government of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, through the MoH and other ministries, will continue to work with communities and partners to ensure that mental health support is as immediate and robust as any other form of emergency aid,” he said.
He added that Brunei remains committed to building a resilient society – one that not only recovers from crises but emerges stronger through shared understanding and compassion.
The minister urged all citizens and residents to renew their commitment to mental health as a fundamental human right, and to face future challenges with empathy, care and collective responsibility. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
