Expanding Mental Healthcare Access in Zimbabwe: A Model for Global Impact
Limited access to mental healthcare remains a pressing global challenge. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Special Initiative aims to bridge this gap by expanding services for 100 million people worldwide. Zimbabwe exemplifies successful initiative implementation through a country-driven approach.
Following a comprehensive national assessment, Zimbabwe identified seven key areas for improvement: leadership, funding, service organization, staffing, research, community engagement, and emergency mental health support.
Collaboration between WHO and Zimbabwe yielded significant results. Over 1.8 million individuals gained access to crucial mental health services, with over 3,000 receiving help for the first time. Additionally, over 370 new mental health workers were trained, and e-training programs reached over 1,500 individuals.
Policy changes are underway, with the Ministry of Health approving a review of mental health legislation and strategy. Collaboration has been strengthened through regular stakeholder meetings.
Integration of services is another success. Training programs were rolled out, and mental health screening is now integrated with HIV services and offered routinely in primary care.
Critically, $3 million was secured to expand services in primary care, aiming to reach 2.5 million in four priority provinces. Additional resources, integration, and collaboration are required to scale up the interventions to the rest of the 10 provinces.
Zimbabwe’s experience serves as a model for expanding mental healthcare access globally. It highlights the importance of country-driven approaches, capacity building, policy advocacy, service integration, and resource mobilization. By replicating this model, other countries can make significant strides in improving mental health outcomes for their populations.
Dr Debra Machando
Dr Debra Machando is a seasoned mental health professional with a proven track record in leading and implementing innovative programs in Zimbabwe. She is the World Health Organization – Zimbabwe Nechnical officer for mental health in Zimbabwe since 2020. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s mental health landscape. Dr Machando served as an executive member of the Pan Africa Psychology Union for six years and as Chairperson of Zimbabwe’s Allied Health Practitioners’ Council (2015-2020).
Dr. Machando’s expertise extends to a wide range of areas, including clinical psychology, public health, and research. With experience working in both government and non-governmental organizations, she possess a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing mental health services in Zimbabwe.
Under Dr. Machando’s leadership, the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health has made significant strides in expanding access to mental health services, improving quality of care, and strengthening the mental health workforce. Key achievements include:
Expanding Access: Successfully increasing access to mental health services for over 1.8 million people, particularly in primary care settings.
Capacity Building: Training over 400 healthcare professionals in mental health interventions and providing essential e-training to over 6000 participants.
Advocacy: Securing government approval for a review of mental health laws and policies, and fostering collaboration with user-led organizations.
Scaling Up Services: Piloting and implementing innovative mental health interventions in multiple provinces and integrating mental health services with existing HIV/TB programs.
Dr. Machando’s research has focused on African mental health systems, with a particular emphasis on cultural considerations and service delivery in resource-limited settings. She has also been instrumental in mobilizing resources to support mental health programs, including securing a $3 million grant from Grand Challenges Canada. Dr Machando loves collaboration with regional and international teams on research and program implementation.