TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) announced on Monday (Sept. 2) the launch of a mental healthcare project in Saint Kitts and Nevis, a diplomatic ally.

According to the fund, TaiwanICDF collaborated with Taipei Veterans General Hospital and the Ministry of Health of Saint Kitts and Nevis on this initiative, marking Taiwan’s first public health program focused on mental health in the Latin American and Caribbean regions.

The project aims to improve mental health screening coverage for nine percent of the population aged 15-69 and enhance referral mechanisms for high-risk groups, providing more comprehensive medical care for locals, TaiwanICDF explained. The fund also added that it seeks to strengthen the government’s capacity to formulate mental health policies and raise public awareness about mental health.

TaiwanICDF noted that the World Health Organization is increasingly recognizing mental health as an important factor in global development. In Saint Kitts and Nevis, mental health issues are a significant concern due to the lack of trained mental health professionals, insufficient mental health services, and the absence of epidemiological data to inform policy-making. The fund said these challenges have hindered the country from offering adequate psychological support and treatment to its citizens.

The fund stated that it would continue leveraging Taiwan’s experience in public health and medical care to assist partner countries in strengthening their healthcare systems.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew visited Taiwan in June to reaffirm bilateral ties. Drew mentioned that the two nations could cooperate on renewable energy and cybersecurity in the future. He also pledged to continue advocating for Taiwan in international fora.

Taiwan established diplomatic ties with the Caribbean nation in October 1983.