More than a billion people are alive.According to two recent World Health Organisation (WHO) reports, over one billion people worldwide suffer from mental health issues, with diseases like anxiety and depression having significant negative effects on both people’s lives and the economy.
According to the Mental Health Atlas 2024 and World Mental Health Today reports, mental health disorders are currently the second most common cause of long-term disability globally, and the global response is still far from adequate.
WHO is urging nations, including Uganda, to make immediate investments in mental health services, update antiquated legislation, and increase access to care.
According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, “mental health services continue to be underfunded and underprivileged.” with Mental Health Disorders
“No nation can afford to underinvest in mental health because it is an investment in people, communities, and economies.”
Although many nations have made improvements to their mental health policy since 2020, the report emphasises that funding, legal reforms, and practical service delivery are still scarce.
Globally, governments continue to spend only 2% of their total health budgets on mental health, with low-income nations like Uganda paying as little as US$ 0.04 per person.
The majority of specialised services for mental health in Uganda are only offered at Butabika National Referral Hospital in Kampala, where mental health care is still highly centralised.
WHO data shows that there is still a severe lack of mental health experts in Uganda, with much fewer than the necessary number per 100,000 population. In rural locations, the majority of people with mental health illnesses do not receive treatment.
According to mental health advocate Kamara Nathan, “access to mental health services in Uganda is still very limited, especially outside urban centres.”
“The consequences are evident in the rise in substance abuse, untreated mental illness, and suicide cases.”
In 2021, 727,000 individuals died by suicide worldwide, with young people being the most afflicted. WHO cautions that if current trends continue, the world’s suicide rate will only drop by 12% by 2030, falling well short of the Sustainable Development Goal’s one-third reduction target.
According to the recent research, women experience greater prevalence rates of anxiety and depression and are disproportionately affected by mental health issues.
Many women in Uganda are still discouraged from seeking assistance due to cultural taboo. According to experts, poverty and gender-based violence have a major role in women’s mental health problems.
Mental health advocate Kamara Nathan stated that “we need to break the silence and stigma around mental health.” “People are suffering in silence because they fear isolation or labelling.”
Although Uganda has created policies to integrate mental health into primary health care and includes mental health in its Health Sector Development Plan, implementation is still lacking because of a lack of political will and financing.
Less than 10% of nations have made the switch to contemporary, community-based care models, and only 45% of nations have mental health laws that fully comply with international human rights norms.
The majority of care is still provided in psychiatric hospitals, where many patients are admitted against their will and may stay for more than a year.
WHO reported some advancements. Compared to 39% in 2020, more than 80% of nations now incorporate mental health and psychosocial support into their emergency response plans Not withstanding these obstacles.
Although access is still unequal, telehealth and outpatient mental health services are also becoming more accessible.
WHO has called for more robust global action as the globe gets ready for the September 25 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Mental Health and Noncommunicable Diseases.
“We are urging all governments to take immediate action.” “That entails expanding funding for mental health, updating antiquated legislation, and establishing robust, community-based care systems.” The director of WHO’s Mental Health and Substance Use Department, Dr. Dévora Kestel, stated.
Although progress is gradual, Ugandan officials believe that attempts are being made to increase access at regional referral hospitals and train more mental health professionals.
“This is a wake-up call for Uganda,” stated Health Minister Dr. Jane Aceng. “We need to elevate mental health on the national agenda.
Access to high-quality mental health care should be available to all Ugandans, not only in Kampala.
WHO’s most recent findings are a call to action for nations like Uganda, where mental health needs are increasing but resources are still limited.
Experts caution that the burden of mental illness will only increase in the absence of immediate investment and reform, with disastrous repercussions for people, families, and the economy.