Revisiting The Need To Strengthen Health Systems In Africa For Better Mental Health Care Delivery
Keywords:
Health systems strengthening, mental health, WHO Health systems framework, AfricaAbstract
According to the global burden of disease (GBD) report, it is estimated that 13% of all GBD is caused by neuropsychiatric disorder. That is, a substantial amount of the world's disease today comes from mental, neurological, and substance use disorders (MSN). In Africa, a high percentage of people are affected by MSN and this is attributed to several factors such as poor leadership and governance for health, inadequate access and utilisation of health services especially for mental health, and weak health systems. The weak health system across Africa greatly affects mental health care delivery. This article discusses the state of mental health in Africa. It argues that with the advent of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the focus of many health systems in Africa has been on addressing the pandemic with less emphasis on mental health care delivery. The article using a WHO health systems framework discusses ways to strengthen mental health systems in Africa. It also offers some useful approaches to strengthen African health systems for improved mental health care delivery. In conclusion, strengthening health systems in Africa for improved mental health care delivery using the WHO framework and other useful approaches is possible. With a health system that is strengthened, the state of mental health delivery across Africa will be greatly improved.
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