A comprehensive review of mental health services across selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa: assessing progress, challenges, and future direction
Abstract Mental health is a crucial but frequently neglected aspect of general health and well-being that faces numerous challenges, including underfunding, shortage of trained professionals, pervasive stigma, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient policies in sub-Saharan Africa. This review re...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Discover Mental Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-025-00177-7 |
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| author | Faith Atewologun Olaniyi Abideen Adigun Olalekan John Okesanya Hakeem Kayode Hassan Olaleke Noah Olabode Abioye Sunday Micheal Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed Bonaventure Michael Ukoaka Nimat Bola Idris Tolutope Adebimpe Oso Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno |
| author_facet | Faith Atewologun Olaniyi Abideen Adigun Olalekan John Okesanya Hakeem Kayode Hassan Olaleke Noah Olabode Abioye Sunday Micheal Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed Bonaventure Michael Ukoaka Nimat Bola Idris Tolutope Adebimpe Oso Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno |
| author_sort | Faith Atewologun |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Mental health is a crucial but frequently neglected aspect of general health and well-being that faces numerous challenges, including underfunding, shortage of trained professionals, pervasive stigma, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient policies in sub-Saharan Africa. This review reports the significant progress and initiatives that have been made in this region. South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana have developed national policies and integrated mental health services into primary healthcare, marking a shift towards community-based care and reducing stigma through awareness campaigns. Countries such as South Africa and Rwanda have robust infrastructure, while Ethiopia and Kenya emphasize training primary healthcare providers and community-based models. Ghana’s Mental Health Act and Uganda’s collaboration with NGOs has enhanced awareness and resource mobilization. Mental healthcare-targeted programs, such as Kenya’s Friendship Bench and Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program, have demonstrated the efficacy of community-based interventions. South Africa has leveraged innovative approaches, such as telepsychiatry, to expand access to holistic mental health services, particularly in rural areas. Partnerships with traditional healers in Uganda and Rwanda have enhanced early identification and referral. Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Common issues include a severe shortage of mental health professionals, inadequate budget allocation, limited access to services in rural areas, and the need for comprehensive policy frameworks that continue to stall the desired goals. Urban-centric services in Nigeria, financial constraints in Tanzania, and resource limitations in Ethiopia and Rwanda have hindered equitable access. While public–private partnerships and technological innovations are emerging, the dominance of institutionalized care in several regions limits community outreach. To chart the path forward, improving mental health services in Sub-Saharan Africa requires increased funding, expanded training programs for mental health professionals, and incorporation of mental health into basic healthcare systems. Utilizing technology such as telemedicine and mobile health applications holds promise for overcoming geographical barriers and supporting ongoing education. Community-based models and advocacy efforts are essential for reducing stigma, promoting sustainable mental healthcare, and enhancing the overall well-being of citizens insub-Saharan Africa. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-047edb956008475286543a57e41ae976 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2731-4383 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Mental Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-047edb956008475286543a57e41ae9762025-08-20T02:11:46ZengSpringerDiscover Mental Health2731-43832025-04-015111910.1007/s44192-025-00177-7A comprehensive review of mental health services across selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa: assessing progress, challenges, and future directionFaith Atewologun0Olaniyi Abideen Adigun1Olalekan John Okesanya2Hakeem Kayode Hassan3Olaleke Noah Olabode4Abioye Sunday Micheal5Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed6Bonaventure Michael Ukoaka7Nimat Bola Idris8Tolutope Adebimpe Oso9Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno10Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ladoke Akintola University of TechnologyDepartment of Medical Laboratory Science, University College HospitalDepartment of Public Health and Maritime Transport, University of ThessalyDepartment of Medical Laboratory Science, Federal Medical CenterObafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital ComplexFaculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Public Health, Adeleke UniversityFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SIMAD UniversityDepartment of Internal Medicine, Asokoro District HospitalDepartment of Public Health, Al-Hikmah UniversityDepartment of Medical Laboratory Science, Neuropsychiatric HospitalDepartment of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineAbstract Mental health is a crucial but frequently neglected aspect of general health and well-being that faces numerous challenges, including underfunding, shortage of trained professionals, pervasive stigma, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient policies in sub-Saharan Africa. This review reports the significant progress and initiatives that have been made in this region. South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana have developed national policies and integrated mental health services into primary healthcare, marking a shift towards community-based care and reducing stigma through awareness campaigns. Countries such as South Africa and Rwanda have robust infrastructure, while Ethiopia and Kenya emphasize training primary healthcare providers and community-based models. Ghana’s Mental Health Act and Uganda’s collaboration with NGOs has enhanced awareness and resource mobilization. Mental healthcare-targeted programs, such as Kenya’s Friendship Bench and Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program, have demonstrated the efficacy of community-based interventions. South Africa has leveraged innovative approaches, such as telepsychiatry, to expand access to holistic mental health services, particularly in rural areas. Partnerships with traditional healers in Uganda and Rwanda have enhanced early identification and referral. Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Common issues include a severe shortage of mental health professionals, inadequate budget allocation, limited access to services in rural areas, and the need for comprehensive policy frameworks that continue to stall the desired goals. Urban-centric services in Nigeria, financial constraints in Tanzania, and resource limitations in Ethiopia and Rwanda have hindered equitable access. While public–private partnerships and technological innovations are emerging, the dominance of institutionalized care in several regions limits community outreach. To chart the path forward, improving mental health services in Sub-Saharan Africa requires increased funding, expanded training programs for mental health professionals, and incorporation of mental health into basic healthcare systems. Utilizing technology such as telemedicine and mobile health applications holds promise for overcoming geographical barriers and supporting ongoing education. Community-based models and advocacy efforts are essential for reducing stigma, promoting sustainable mental healthcare, and enhancing the overall well-being of citizens insub-Saharan Africa.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-025-00177-7Mental health servicesMental disordersPrimary health careRehabilitationCommunity mental health services |
| spellingShingle | Faith Atewologun Olaniyi Abideen Adigun Olalekan John Okesanya Hakeem Kayode Hassan Olaleke Noah Olabode Abioye Sunday Micheal Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed Bonaventure Michael Ukoaka Nimat Bola Idris Tolutope Adebimpe Oso Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno A comprehensive review of mental health services across selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa: assessing progress, challenges, and future direction Discover Mental Health Mental health services Mental disorders Primary health care Rehabilitation Community mental health services |
| title | A comprehensive review of mental health services across selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa: assessing progress, challenges, and future direction |
| title_full | A comprehensive review of mental health services across selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa: assessing progress, challenges, and future direction |
| title_fullStr | A comprehensive review of mental health services across selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa: assessing progress, challenges, and future direction |
| title_full_unstemmed | A comprehensive review of mental health services across selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa: assessing progress, challenges, and future direction |
| title_short | A comprehensive review of mental health services across selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa: assessing progress, challenges, and future direction |
| title_sort | comprehensive review of mental health services across selected countries in sub saharan africa assessing progress challenges and future direction |
| topic | Mental health services Mental disorders Primary health care Rehabilitation Community mental health services |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-025-00177-7 |
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