Rural Mental Health Support

Mental health is a growing challenge, with Uganda ranked among the top six countries in Africa. The 2022 Lancet Psychiatry Correspondence report indicates that approximately 14 million Ugandans (about 32.0% of the population), are affected by mental illness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2017 report, 2.9% of Ugandans live with anxiety.

As is the case across Africa, Mental health services in Uganda are largely concentrated in urban areas, leaving remote communities with limited or no access to support and treatment.

In these areas, mental illnesses often remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. Remote communities face challenges such as poverty, weak health systems, and cultural stigmas, all of which hinder mental healthcare access.

For women in these vulnerable communities, their mental health challenges are exacerbated by increased cases of gender-based violence, social isolation, and economic dependency. Cases among the youths are more disturbing, fueled by drug and substance abuse, unemployment and economic challenges, family and relationship breakdown, including domestic abuse.

While Uganda spends 9.8% of its gross domestic product on healthcare, equivalent to US$246 annually per person, only 1% of this budget is dedicated to mental healthcare. There are limited inpatient psychiatric units throughout Uganda, and only one mental hospital. Over 70% of all available beds are located either within or in close proximity to Kampala City.

Butabika National Referral Hospital, the country’s only national facility for mental health care, is severely overstretched, currently operating at 200% capacity. Like in some African communities, traditional or alternative mental health treatments are often preferred, or people avoid treatment altogether due to stigma and lack of awareness.

At Remote Health Impact, we employ multifaceted strategies to address the root causes of mental health challenges and implement comprehensive interventions. These range from mental health education to reduce stigma and raise public awareness to advocating for increased access to mental healthcare, addressing drug and substance abuse, combating domestic violence, and promoting economic empowerment.

Our programs are designed to help remote communities access mental health and psychosocial support services. We are restoring dignity and autonomy to individuals with mental health challenges and supporting them in accessing appropriate care and services.