Mental health in Africa

Abstract On average, the mental health treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is 80% versus 35% in high-income countries. This disparity can be accounted for by several factors found in LMICs, including unresponsive health systems, poor human and financial resources, inadequate supply of many medications, stigma, poor awareness, an inadequate legislative framework, and misconceptions and cultural beliefs about mental illness. Africa, and other LMICs, have to develop socioculturally and economically appropriate and sustainable innovations if they are to significantly reduce the treatment gap and move towards mental health for all. These include dialogue that involves all, to determine their own context-appropriate priorities; comprehensive documentation and maximum utilization of all existing community resources; context-appropriate use of technology for critical reach; a multidisciplinary stakeholder approach that goes beyond mental health specialists; global partnerships to discuss on experiences and best practices.