Background

The burden of mental illness crosses international boundaries. In this study the burden of mental illness and barriers to mental health will be examined in West Africa. This is a result of a five week public health study abroad to Senegal, Africa participated in through Temple University.

Senegal

Borders: The Atlantic Ocean, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea and Guinea Bissau; dissected by the Gambia.Population: Nearly 12 million, with 2 million living in Dakar-the political and economic capital of Senegal.Official language: is FrenchPolitics: Independent Republic since 1960.

Methodology• literature review • 5 week study abroad 1. Interview with St. Louis psychiatrist 2. Conducted site visits to hospitals & clinics. 3. Worked with ATT a NGO that offers psychosocial support to children.

Results/Findings

Shortage of health care professionals (doctors and nurses) exists.

There is a great need for specialists in mental health within the country.

Primary care givers (often nurses and lay community workers) serve as counselors and mental health professionals.

Children in poverty are a vulnerable population to psychosocial illness

Conclusion As a result of the culminating experience and review of literature, the one thing that is consistent is the shortage of resources and data, neither of which is mutually exclusive. The lack of information on the situation makes it more difficult to write for funding, and solicit supporters to the public health needs in the country. Recommendations: 1) Support mental health research in Senegal and solutions2) Support NGO’s that are serving to address the psychosocial needs of impoverished children3) Look into providing training and support to health care workers providing mental health services.

Health System•Senegal has 4 levels of care: community, district, central and national.

•In the region of St. Louis, we worked closely with Bango Health Clinic and Regional Hospital.

•The need for basic care, trained professionals and proper medication.

Global Health Study Abroad:

A look at Mental Health in SenegalAlicia A. Barnes, MPH and Shannon Marquez, MEng, PhD

Objective:

The study specifically provides a look at mental health strengths and weaknesses in Senegal. From the information gathered suggestions on prospective policy on mental health services in Senegal are made.

Strengths1) Community based ownership of health 2) Doctor’s often travel to the rural areas to deliver mental health care.3)There are Non Governmental organizations (NGO) that provide services for children and adults that combat environmental factors contributing to psychiatric disorders.4) Health care workers, often nurse, willing to address mental illness problems to the best of their ability Weaknesses1) Traditional healer’s are first sought and later present to psychiatrist ‘s with more severe illness.2) Shortage of Psychiatrist (1 per population of 1 million )3) Stigma associated with addiction delay’s or diverts treatment 4) Limited epidemiological research on mental health illness in Senegal