SA must improve mental healthcare to make it more accessible
The day was commemorated locally on 12 October by Zululand Mental Health in collaboration with the Department of Health, mental health district.
IN 2019, South Africa was considered to be the most unequal country in the world in terms of mental healthcare.
This year’s World Mental Health Day theme then, ‘Mental health in an unequal world’, could not have been more fitting.
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The day was commemorated locally on 12 October by Zululand Mental Health in collaboration with the Department of Health, mental health district.
Co-ordinator and members of the Mental Health Review Board, with an awareness campaign at the Empangeni rail, bus and taxi rank.
It has become evident that people across the country have vastly different experiences in accessing care for their mental health conditions.
South Africans should use this month to reflect on how to ensure all people who require quality mental healthcare, are able to do so.
Integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare can reduce inequality as it reduces indirect costs associated with accessing treatment and follow-up.
While South Africa has made great strides in improving mental healthcare in the country, there are key areas that need to be improved upon to make it more accessible.
Improvements include better policies, more human and financial resources, and a stronger emphasis on human rights
