.png)
Psychosocial disability (PD) refers to ‘disabilities that arise from barriers to social participation experienced by people who have or who are perceived to have mental health conditions or problems.’ According to the World Health Organization, mental, neurological and substance use disorders (MNS) account for more than 10 per cent of the global disease burden of PD and are responsible for one-in-five years lived with disability.
In low- and middle- income countries, more than 75 per cent of people with MNS receive no treatment at all for their disorder. In Kenya, unmet need for mental health services (MHS) is worse in young persons compared to adults. In recognition of the considerable need for inclusive mental health services, a recent interagency Government of Kenya Taskforce on Mental Health in 2021 declared mental ill-health in Kenyan society as a national public health emergency.
This research responds to that need and aligns with the WHO’s vision of a world where ‘all people achieve the highest standard of mental health and well-being’. The overall aim of the project is to develop and pilot a support framework for an inclusive mental health system using digital technologies to promote wellbeing, work, and employment for young persons with PD in Kenya.
Congratulations to Dr. Ebuenyi and team for the awarding of this research funding.