TSHIVHASE - August is being observed as Mental Health month throughout the country, and various events have been scheduled to highlight the plight of mentally ill people, particularly those who are the victims of unfair discrimination.

The Limpopo campaign was launched on Friday at Tshivhase, near Thohoyandou, by Health and Social Development MEC Seaparo Sekoati. He said awareness programmes were needed in the province, to fight existing stigmatisation and abuse of people with mental illnesses.

According to available statistics, at least one in every four persons will be affected by mental disorders during their lives.

Meanwhile department spokesperson Phuti Seloba said the condition of mentally ill Jeremia Mashinane, recently found locked in a room in Chebeng village, near Seshego, was improving, after medical treatment at the Seshego Hospital. Mashiane was rescued by health officials, who said he had allegedly been chained and kept in the room for fifteen years. Food was given to him through a small hole, and he was naked when the officials found him.

Limpopo has two hospitals that care for mentally ill patients - at Thabamoopo near Lebowakgomo and at Hayani, in the Thohoyandou area.

Seloba said this month's campaign would include information meetings in a number of communities throughout the province, where officials of the department would meet with traditional leaders, healers and youth organisations.