Mental Health Issues and Policy in Sub Saharan Africa: A view from Cape Town to Cairo
Volume 3, Issue 3 A. SATHIYA SUSUMAN
Published online:20 November 2017
Article Views: 41
Abstract
Although millions of people in Africa have suffered various forms of mental health, such as depression, alcohol use, stress, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease, there is little attention given to mental health issues in the region. This study explores any substantial information regarding mental health issues, mental health policies, and their legislations in the study area covered from Cape Town to Cairo. Secondary information based on different literature reviews was adopted using available secondary data from some African countries. The data source specifically the World Health Organization and Mental Health Atlas [1]. A qualitative based analysis has been performed. Only 22 out of 53 countries within the African region have some form of a mental health policy. Meanwhile about 41% do not have a mental health policy or plan. From a global perspective, mental health issues are critical, particularly in the African region. Therefore, concerned governments, Non-governmental organizations, health institutions, and relevant healthcare service professionals must work together. Moreover, countries with already adopted mental health policies should give more attention to monitoring and evaluation.
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To Cite this article
A. S. Susuman, “Mental health issues and policy in Sub Saharan Africa: A view from Cape Town to Cairo,” International Journal of Health and Medical Sciences, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 59-66, 2017.