Experts unveil solution to rising cases of mental health
Assoc. Prof Etheldreda Nakimuli (pictured) noted that the high costs of care and limited availability of resources make mental health services unattainable for many. Photo | Busein Samilu
What you need to know:
- Assoc. Prof Nakimuli noted that the high costs of care and limited availability of resources make mental health services unattainable for many.
Experts from the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit (MRC/UVRI & LSTM) have introduced a groundbreaking tech solution to tackle Uganda's escalating mental health issues.
According to Professor Moffat Nyirenda, Unit Director, "Mental health challenges among young people are difficult to address, but if we don't act now, they will escalate into a larger crisis—akin to the unpreparedness we faced with COVID-19."
The unveiled technology, dubbed Tele-Support Psychotherapy (TSP) model, is a technology-driven, cost-efficient approach designed to address the country's growing mental health challenges. Prof. Nyirenda emphasized the urgency of leveraging digital tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile phone-based interventions to bridge the gap between underserved communities, especially youth, and mental health professionals.
"The TSP model represents a timely innovation that leverages modern technology to provide accessible and affordable solutions," Prof. Nyirenda warned.
The TSP model was developed at Makerere University's Department of Psychiatry under Associate Professor Etheldreda Nakimuli in collaboration with Dr John Mark Bwanika of The Medical Concierge Group/Rocket Health Africa, and was funded by USAID's Development Innovation Ventures to address youth mental health needs in resource-limited settings.
The MRC/UVRI/LSHTM Uganda Research Unit has launched the ARISEE-TSP Project (Accessing Resources for Improving Support, Emotions, and Economic Empowerment through Tele-Support Psychotherapy). This initiative will enhance the TSP platform with AI technology and strengthen mental health capacity through continuous professional development in government health training institutions.
Assoc. Prof Nakimuli noted that the high costs of care and limited availability of resources make mental health services unattainable for many.
"The high costs of care and limited availability of resources make mental health services unattainable for many," she said.
The TSP model addresses these gaps by integrating cultural elements, ensuring interventions resonate with local communities. A pilot randomized trial in Kampala revealed promising results, showing significant reductions in depression symptoms and improved psychosocial outcomes for participants.
"The model's success lies in its dual-pronged approach: empowering lay counsellors and community health workers with foundational mental health skills while leveraging advanced technology," Assoc Prof Nakimuli said.
She added, "This scalable strategy tackles Uganda's shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas, and reduces reliance on urban-based services. Mental health capacity building through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs in health training institutions will ensure the sustainability of this workforce, laying the foundation for long-term impact."
Experts unanimously agreed that a collective commitment to reshape Uganda's mental health landscape is needed. Policymakers have been urged to invest in mental health infrastructure and prioritize culturally sensitive and scalable solutions like the TSP model.
Health training institutions have also been encouraged to integrate innovative mental health approaches into their curricula to build a resilient workforce. Researchers were called upon to prioritize culturally tailored scalable interventions that address the unique needs of local communities.
