Mental health in Eritrea: A brief overview and possible steps forward

Abstract

Mental health is an integral component of health. Recently, the global burden of mental disorders has grown, with significant impacts on health and major social, human rights, and economic consequences [1,2]. Despite its significance, however, mental health has historically been neglected on Africa’s health and development policy agenda, while there has been little research into mental health problems [3]. Across Africa, health systems have not adequately responded to the burden of mental disorders, and a large treatment gap prevails [4-6]. There is also widespread ignorance about the extent of mental health problems and a prevalence of stigma and discrimination toward those with mental illness [7,8].