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Closing the Gap: The Crisis in Mental Health in Africa
  • May 28, 2024
  • Comments: 4590
  • Posted by: cbtkeadmin

By Lambert Oigara, Consultant Clinical Psychologist

“I don’t see the difference between breaking your leg and having a mental health breakdown. It’s health, there is no distinction.” These sentiments by US President Joe Biden highlight the undeniable link between mental and physical health. However, many around the world do not receive adequate mental health care. Even those who do often find the services lacking or unsuitable for their needs.

Biden’s message sheds light on the widespread struggles with inaccessibility and ineffective mental health services across different social strata. In Africa, these issues are compounded by a chronic lack of support for both public and private evidence-based programs, which creates significant barriers to delivering quality care.

Challenges in Mental Health Care in Africa

Despite collecting culturally appropriate data, private practitioners face hurdles in sharing their experiences and scaling their services due to insufficient support and data collection systems. Stigma has long devalued the profession in Africa, leading many psychologists to work part-time or voluntarily, often receiving minimal or inconsistent compensation.

In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) projected that depression would become the leading cause of disability by 2030. The fight against mental health stigma dates back to the 1980s, but poor funding remains a critical challenge, making services inaccessible to many. A single session with a clinical or counselling psychologist in Kenya, lasting 45 minutes to an hour, costs between Kshs. 6,000 and Kshs. 15,000. This expense is rarely covered by insurance, forcing clients to pay out-of-pocket.

The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the mental health crisis, leading to a surge in demand for services, particularly among teenagers, couples, and young adults. Many sought help for self-diagnosed conditions like anxiety, panic attacks, depression, personality disorders, and ADHD. However, the high cost of therapy led many to drop out.

Seasoned practitioners were in high demand post-COVID, but this increased workload left little room for mentoring new professionals. The pandemic revealed significant gaps in the mental health framework, including the need for structured, well-funded systems to support practitioners.

Path Forward: A Multiagency Approach

To address these gaps, a multiagency approach is essential. This includes ensuring funding and technical support for mental health programs, building capacity, and expanding evidence-based programs. Enhancing capacity building, providing mentorship and supervision for students and professionals, and implementing affordable and sustainable programs in both urban and rural areas are crucial steps.

There is hope for Sub-Saharan Africa as global awareness grows around the idea that there is no health without mental health. With concerted efforts and strategic investments, it is possible to close the gap in mental health care and support the well-being of communities across the continent.

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Author: cbtkeadmin

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