The World Health Organisation has said that Africa suffers the need of psychiatrists after findings shows that a psychiatrist equals 500,000 people in the densely populated regions of Africa.
This was revealed by the Director of Programme Management, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dr. Joseph Cavite in a virtual press briefing.
Stating during a prelude meeting to the commemoration of the World Mental Health Day, he said that Africa has the highest rate of suicide globally due to grossly inadequate mental health practitioners.
Cabore said, “Next Monday is World Mental Health Day; this is a public health issue across the world. Unfortunately, in Africa, mental health care had not received the attention it deserved. For instance, millions of people needing care do not have access to services.
“Around 11 out of every 100,000 people die by suicide every year, which is above the global average of nine per 100,000 people.
“It is important to highlight that this situation is partly due to adequate action by the government, policymakers, and communities to address the risk factors that contribute to death by suicide.”
In a bid to galvanise the situation, Cabore said;
“To raise awareness about the gravity of suicide and step up advocacy about prevention, we are today launching a social media campaign to reach 10 million people across the region.
“We want to galvanise the support of the government and policymakers to increase focus and funding for mental health programming, including suicide prevention efforts.
“We believe that the campaign will educate the people on the steps to take against suicide.
