EMERALD

Emerging mental health systems in low- and middle-income countries

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The objective of the EMERALD Project is to improve mental health outcomes by enhancing health system performance.

The key issues addressed are: (i) adequate, fair & sustainable resourcing: using human, infrastructural, informational & financial resource inputs to effectively deliver better mental health services; (ii) integrated service provision: enhancing access to integrated community care; and (iii) improved coverage & goal attainment: scaled-up, appropriate and cost-effective care in the community & reduction of disease burden & economic impacts.

We are innovative in: (i) our track record to work collaboratively across health system boundaries; (ii) excellent ability to deliver on agreed work packages; (iii) delivering high quality & precisely relevant capacity development materials to our key target groups; & (iv) key leadership roles eg in developing the WHO mhGAP Implementation Guide. We are committed to taking the health system strengthening steps necessary for its realization in Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa & Uganda.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

There is a high demand for mental health services worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the disease burden that is due to mental disorders is particularly high. An EU initiative aims to reduce the considerable treatment gap in several African and Asian countries.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

On average, LMICs allocate less than 2% of their health budget to resources and services for the treatment and prevention of mental disorders. As a result, the majority of people with mental health problems are left untreated in these countries.

With EU funding, the 'Emerging mental health systems in low- and middle-income countries' (http://www.emerald-project.eu/ (EMERALD)) programme seeks to identify the main barriers to effective provision of mental health services and offer solutions for improved delivery. It thereby intends to strengthen the knowledge base in order to optimise mental health systems in practice. The programme focuses on the integrated planning, implementation, assessment and sustainability of local mental health systems in Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda.

The programme is also building up the research capacity and improving the skills of professionals and policymakers in mental health system strengthening, as well as increasing service user and caregiver involvement. It is doing so mainly through short courses and workshops, development of graduate degree curricula and training materials, PhD fellowships, MSc studentships and tailored training.

Needs assessments and situational analyses were performed for researchers, policymakers, planners, service users and caregivers in the areas of policy, practice, initiatives and strategies at the beginning of the programme.

Project members addressed health system resources and funding issues by employing tools that measure the costs and impacts of service provision. They also carried out a survey to assess the economic effects of any unmet mental health requirements for affected persons and their families.

Policymakers, planners and health workers were interviewed to identify best practices in the design and operation of mental health schemes from district through to national levels.

The team is also identifying and developing a set of performance indicators that will measure and monitor health systems.

Programme efforts will result in improved local and national mental health systems and policies for the six countries in Africa and Asia. The health and socioeconomic impacts of EMERALD should be felt for years to come.