Bridging the Gap on Early Identification and Treatment of Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa

Onu, JU and ORIJI, SUNDAY O. and Iyidobi, T.O and Chinawa, Francis Chukwuemeka and OHAERI, JUDE U. (2020) Bridging the Gap on Early Identification and Treatment of Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa. EC NEUROLOGY, 12 (9). pp. 11-16.

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Abstract

Although communicable diseases remain a priority in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the demographic, epidemiologic, and nutritional transitions occurring in the region is expected to change the narrative to non-communicable diseases. Mental, neurological, and substance (MNS) use disorders contribute substantially to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) worldwide, with MNS accounting for about 350 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost per annum in Sub-Saharan Africa. This picture is made bleaker by the huge treatment gap in the sub-region with over 90% of persons with MNS disorders lacking access to optimal health care services. The Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) was designed to bridge this gap in treatment. However, after over a decade it was first launched, access to optimal care for MNS disorders is still lacking in most SSA countries despite some positive efforts. The authors opine that bridging the treatment gap for MNS disorders will require the following: forging a common terminology for MNS disorders in the SSA countries for a comprehensive policy, integration of mental health services into existing health care services (e.g. primary health care, HIV/AIDS and maternal and child health care services), the use of mobile phone or other application-based technology and leveraging on the informal health care systems (e.g. traditional and faith-based healers) to deliver some level of care to persons with MNS disorders.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Uchenna Eneogwe
Date Deposited:	20 Aug 2025 11:22
Last Modified:	20 Aug 2025 11:22
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5122

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