Setting Up a Mental Health Clinic in the Heart of Rural Africa.

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.