A survey of 28 African countries was undertaken by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as part of the first global examination of the devastating impact of Covid-19 on access to mental health services.
Of the countries responding in the African region, 37% reported that their Covid-19 mental health response plans are partially funded and a further 37% reported having no funds at all. It underscores the urgent need for increased funding.
This comes as the Covid-19 pandemic increases the demand for mental health services.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said “Isolation, loss of income, the deaths of loved ones and a barrage of information on the dangers of this new virus can stir up stress levels and trigger mental health conditions or exacerbate existing ones.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has shown, more than ever, how mental health is integral to health and well-being and must be an essential part of health services during outbreaks and emergencies.”
Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference organised by APO Group. She was joined by Hon. Dr Manaouda Malachie, Minister of Public Health, Cameroon; and Dr Naeem Dalal, Psychiatrist Registrar, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka.
African countries account for 15 of the top 30 countries globally for suicide per 100 000 people.
While there is scant data on how Covid-19 is increasing mental health conditions on the African continent, one study in South Africa found that 10–20% of the 220 people surveyed reported potent experiences of anxiety and fear as a result of the pandemic.
Another survey of 12 000 women in low-income communities in Uganda and Zambia found an increase in persistent stress, anxiety and depression.
The WHO assessment of mental health services took place in July and August 2020 and 27 of the 28 African nations which responded have included mental health in their Covid-19 response plans, underscoring the growing recognition of the importance of this once neglected area of health.
In Africa, substance use disorder services were the mental health services facing the biggest disruptions. The main causes for the disruptions were due to patients failing to turn up, travel restrictions hindering access to health facilities and a decrease in patient volume due to cancellations of elective care.
While at the global level, up to 70% of countries have responded to the challenges posed by Covid-19 with telemedicine, in Africa governments have set up counselling helplines and increased training for key health responders in basic psychosocial skills.
Even before the pandemic, the region had one of the lowest mental health public expenditure rates, at less than US$ 10 cents per capita.
With increasing pressure on health systems and rising demand, stretched and chronically underfunded mental health services are under increasing strain.
“Covid-19 is adding to a long-simmering mental health care crisis in Africa. Leaders must urgently invest in life-saving mental health care services,” said Dr Moeti.
“We also need more action to provide better mental health information and education, to boost and expand services, and to enhance social and financial protection for people with mental disorders, including laws to ensure human rights for everyone.”
The WHO Regional Office for Africa has released guidance on managing Covid-19 and mental health for health workers and the general public. WHO is assisting African governments in responding to the pandemic as fits their unique circumstances.
Latest Stories
-
Border restrictions impact businesses and residents amid Togo elections
14 mins -
We’ve helped close leakage gaps – SML maintains
14 mins -
Ketu South MCE commissions an ultra-modern toilet facility in Aflao
25 mins -
Sunyani East parliamentary elections: Ransford Antwi to contest as an independent candidate
34 mins -
Publish full KPMG report on SML/GRA contract – NDC to Akufo-Addo
40 mins -
Inspire Action trains 24 people in vocational training
43 mins -
The government pays little attention to the health sector – Sammy Gyamfi
48 mins -
Peter Amewu mourns after mother’s death
51 mins -
Contract between the government and SML unlawful- Sammy Gyamfi
53 mins -
Dennis Agyei Boateng: Harnessing the power of development communication for Ghana’s development
57 mins -
Achieving equity in the fight against malaria requires greater domestic resource mobilisation
58 mins -
MP Murder Case: Defence Counsel to file ex-parte application to subpoena persons to assist trial
1 hour -
Eat healthy foods to attain anti-aging goals – Nutritionist
1 hour -
4 little ways to tell if you’re crazy-in-love or just crazy-obsessed
1 hour -
Court jails man seven years for cocoa smuggling
1 hour