Interpersonal psychotherapy group: A scalable solution to the depression epidemic in Zambia and Uganda

Abstract

This chapter considers the use of the interpersonal psychotherapy group (IPT-G) as a scalable solution to the depression epidemic in Zambia and Uganda. It highlights depression as a development problem instead of just a health problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) now recognizes that mental health is linked to each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the theory of change from StrongMinds, which is a social enterprise and nongovernmental organization that treats African women and adolescents suffering from depression, believes that people cannot achieve the SDGs without prioritizing mental health. The chapter then discusses the integration of depression treatment within the Ugandan government.