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Conference paper

SETTING UP A MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC IN THE HEART OF RURAL AFRICA

Humphrey Enow ; East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
Madhusudan Deepak Thalitaya ; East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, ; Twinwoods Medical Centre, Clapham, Bedfordshire, Bedford, UK
Wallace Mbatia ; East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
Sheetal Kirpekar


Full text: english pdf 398 Kb

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Abstract

Introduction: The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and
not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (WHO 1948). In Africa, mental health issues often come last on the list of priorities for
policy-makers& people’s attitudes towards mental illness are strongly influenced by traditional beliefs in supernatural
causes/remedies. The massive burden attributed to mental illness in these communities, poses a huge moral, cultural/economic
challenge and requires a concerted and integrated approach involving policy makers, mental health Practitioners, the general
public, service users and their families and other stake holders to reverse the trend.
Project Objectives:
• Improving community awareness of mental illness.
• Change the negative perception of mental illness by the community.
• Providing a screening/referral pathway for mental illnesses.
• Providing supervision of patient care.
Potential Results: Promote community participation on issues regarding mental health with a view to challenge existing
traditional attitudes and beliefs, reduce stigma and promote health seeking behaviour.

Keywords

Africa; mental health

Hrčak ID:

264462

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/264462

Publication date:

8.9.2015.

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