MENTAL HEALTH IN THE GAMBIA: A NATION’S CALL FOR CHANGE

Mental health is a critical but often overlooked aspect of well-being, and recent findings from the Mental Health Service The Gambia reveal the urgency of addressing it. According to their groundbreaking survey, one in eight Gambians, approximately 324,000 individuals, are experiencing mental health challenges. This figure sheds light on the growing need for mental health awareness, care, and support in the country.

ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS AND LIMITED ACCESS TO CARE

Economic difficulties and limited healthcare resources significantly contribute to mental health issues in The Gambia. These challenges can lead to conditions such as anxiety and depression, impacting individuals and communities alike. Among those affected, 81,000 Gambians face severe mental health conditions, while nearly 918,000 are battling depression and anxiety. These figures highlight the pressing need for accessible and affordable mental health care.

A CONTINENTAL RESPONSE: AFRICA CDC’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

Recognizing the growing mental health crisis in Africa, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) launched the Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP). This initiative, introduced during the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, is designed to empower health leaders across the continent. By providing them with tools to approach mental health through a public health and human rights lens, the programme ensures sustainable and impactful solutions.

SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

The Wellcome Trust plays a pivotal role in advancing mental health research in Africa. It funds studies focusing on conditions like anxiety, depression, and psychosis, enabling evidence-based interventions. This research ensures that African countries, including The Gambia, can adopt innovative and culturally appropriate mental health care solutions.

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES

Despite these advancements, Africa still faces significant hurdles. The continent has only 1.4 mental health workers per 100,000 people, and outpatient services remain limited, with only 14 visits per 100,000 people annually. These statistics emphasize the need for increased investment in mental health services, both at the national and continental levels.

A CALL FOR MODERN POLICIES

Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa CDC, highlighted the outdated and poorly implemented mental health policies in Africa. Modernizing these policies and adopting comprehensive strategies are essential to addressing the growing mental health crisis. This effort will require collaboration among governments, international organizations, and local communities to create an inclusive system of care.

BUILDING HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

While the challenges are significant, initiatives like the MHLP and ongoing research offer hope. By equipping health leaders and investing in care systems, The Gambia can address its mental health crisis effectively. Together, with a focus on public health and human rights, the nation can create a future where mental wellness is prioritized for all.

Don’t miss out on the latest updates. Stay updated with Health & Wellness with The Sisters Show. Get all the details and never miss a beat!

Read More:- TAKING THE RIGHT PATH: FIGHTING HIV WITH MULTIPHASIC SCREENING IN GHANA