The Newsday reports that Zimbabwe has less than 20 Psychiatric doctors at the moment. This comes at a time when mental disorders are rising due to the economic meltdown Zimbabwe is experiencing right now. Quoting the Zimbabwe Association Of Doctors for Human Rights, The Newsday wrote:
In any given year, an estimated 20% of Zimbabweans suffer from mental illness, and of these 4% (approximately 600 000) suffer from debilitating mental illness,
Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of disability in Zimbabwe accounting for 18,7% of all years of life lost to disability and premature mortality, especially from suicide in people under 35 years of age.
Despite this seemingly obvious huge problem, mental illnesses continue to be given little attention, if not neglected, in Zimbabwe
The ZADHR cited the economic meltdown in Zimbabwe as the leading cause of the mental disorders in the country.
The collapse of the economy and the skyrocketing inflation in the country has pushed the majority of people into the doldrums of poverty, a situation which has led to more demand for mental health services,” .
“The youths have been the hardest hit and indeed we have witnessed an increase in substance abuse and a notable increase in substance use disorders has been recorded at all levels.”
At a clinical level, Zimbabwe has less than 20 psychiatrists for a population of over 15 million, moreover these are only located at central hospitals, meaning that the rural population have difficulties accessing these specialist services
The health sector is one of the sectors that has been struggling since the economy took a nosedive.
More: Newsday
Back to top