Perception of mental health problems in Africa; critical challenge to address the problem in different countries

Mental health has historically been neglected on Africa’s health and development policy agenda. People living with mental illness (particularly severe mental illness) are frequently stigmatized, shunned, and excluded from mainstream society. This is as true in Africa as it is in societies around the world. Culturally speaking, Those with mental health problems are often cast aside because of beliefs that psychosis or epileptic seizures are signs of demon possession or evil spirits. And they are denied access to life changing treatment.

Faced with many challenges, including intractable poverty, infectious diseases, maternal and child mortality, as well as conflict, African . . .