The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, the Africa CDC Mental Health Leadership Programme (AMHLP), aimed at bolstering mental health systems across the continent. Supported by the Wellcome Trust and other prominent partners, the programme seeks to empower mental health advocates and enhance the capacity of public health professionals through targeted training and advocacy efforts.

The launch of AMHLP comes amidst alarming statistics revealing that 120 million people in Africa grapple with mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Despite these challenges, the continent faces a severe shortage, with only 1.4 mental health workers per 100,000 people and minimal outpatient visits annually.

AMHLP aims to establish a network of leaders capable of driving sustainable change in mental health care across African member states. It will collaborate with regional universities, civil society organizations, and individuals with lived experiences to implement evidence-based interventions tailored to diverse African populations.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the urgent need for updated mental health policies and greater integration of mental health care into primary health systems. He noted that less than 2% of health budgets are allocated to mental health, with most funds directed towards centralized psychiatric institutions in capital cities, leaving community-level support severely lacking.

"This programme will foster collaboration and enable us to collectively address the pervasive mental health issues affecting our communities," said Dr. Kaseya, highlighting the programme's strategic role in advocating for context-specific, evidence-based approaches.

John Arne Røttingen, CEO of the Wellcome Trust, underscored the importance of integrating scientific research into policy-making to drive meaningful improvements in mental health care delivery.

David Bainbridge, Executive Director of CBM Global, emphasized AMHLP's potential to bridge treatment gaps and address social determinants exacerbating mental health challenges. He stressed the need for a human rights approach to mental health, combating stigma and discrimination hindering access to essential services and rights for affected individuals.

As Africa prioritizes the strengthening of its mental health systems amid broader health challenges, stakeholders anticipate that AMHLP will play a crucial role in elevating mental health on national agendas and promoting equitable access to quality mental health services across the continent.

 

Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku

Photo/Africa CDC

https://africacdc.org/news-item/africa-cdc-launches-mental-health-leadership-programme/