Mental Health and Social Distancing During COVID-19 in African Settings

Social distancing triggers mental health problems worldwide. Limited preparedness and response structures to public health emergencies are associated with an increased disruption of mental health care services either in health-facilities or in the community during COVID-19. The community-based approach should be combined with online psychological interventions, peer group therapy, and systematic medical screening of mental disorders in primary health care settings. The public health officers should promptly act to fit the gap of mental health burden care in Africa and to avoid the related health and socioeconomic problems.