Faced with a great number of social and health problems and changes in lifestyles and in traditional values, the population in the African Region is at a greater vulnerability to mental health disorders and to psychoactive substance use.

At present, studies and various African regional health reports highlight the growing number of noncommunicable diseases, mental illnesses, substance abuse and injuries which, in 2002, accounted for 27% of the total disease burden in the Region, including 5% for mental disorders. In the majority of the African countries, less than 2% of health funds are spent on mental health.

Of the disabilities in the Region, 19% are attributed to mental disorders, and even this figure is an underestimation to be corrected through gradual collection of data. Regarding substance abuse, in the African Region, the estimates of total deaths attributable to harmful use of alcohol show a significant burden of 2.1% in 2000 and 2.2% in 2002. In Sub-Sahraran Africa adult per capita alcohol consumption is higher than the global consumption rate (7.4L vs 6.2 L).

Although the need for action in reducing the burden of mental, neurological and substance use disorders worldwide, and in enhancing the capacity of Member States to respond to this rising challenge has been recognized, several challenges need to be addressed in the African Region.

A number of obstacles to policy development and implementation of appropriate responses to tackle the problem have been identified:

• Low priority in the political agenda
• Inadequate resource allocation to health in general and to mental health in particular
• Lack of awareness and data
• Lack of information systems
• Stigma
• Limited number of health workers with adequate training in mental health
• Need for support and to increase participation of service users in policy making and service planning

In order to tackle mental, behavioural and neurological disorders including those due to psychoactive substance use and to enhance countries capacity and commitment to respond to the rising challenges in the Region, the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program has been providing leadership and guidance to countries on the development of policy and strategic plans and on the improvement of countries intervention and surveillance capacities.

Acting Programme Manager

Dr Alimata Jeanne Diarra-Nama
Tel: +4724139200
Fax: +4724139514
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it