A research report covering mental health care in Aruba from 2010 to 2026 concludes that prevention, early detection and access to professional treatment deserve greater attention, english.24ora reported on October 17.
The report, by police officer and researcher Edgar Maduro, draws on national data and inspection findings to assess how mental health care on the island has developed over the past 16 years. Note: this story was reported October 17.
Symptoms in the population
Citing the 2023 STEPS Aruba study, the report notes that 17 percent of surveyed adults reported mild anxiety or depression symptoms, 4 percent moderate symptoms and 2 percent severe symptoms. The figures reflect symptom severity as measured by the study, not formal diagnoses.
The report also considers the potential impact of the COVID-19 years (2020–2022) on mental wellbeing, and references 2024–2025 Health Inspectorate findings on recordkeeping, urgency assessment, medication management and care coordination within the mental health sector.
New facility on the way
In 2026, land was announced for a new mental-health facility to be developed together with Respaldo and the Mama Ties Foundation, a step the report situates within the broader need for accessible care.
Priorities to 2031
The report sets out priorities for 2026–2031: prevention, trained personnel, timely treatment and better coordination between care providers.
Source: 24ora (English)
