Mental health services in Ethiopia: emerging public health

Abstract

Summary: Objectives: Examine the mental health issues in Ethiopia in relation to services offered in this direction. Study Design: Retrospective. Methods: Results of the 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey and other secondary data sources were explore dimensions of to understand the mental health issues. Results: The average prevalence of mental disorders in Ethiopia was 18 % for adults and 15% for children. People are now more than ever aware of the importance of mental health. Families now do not need much agitation to seek medical help for their mentally ill members. Unfortunately, the mental health services are available only in Addis Ababa the capital city of Ethiopia. By consequence, a large number of the adolescent is homeless, and lives on the street. Low status of women in Ethiopia underpins and often directly undermines utilization of reproductive health services. Even though, the policy makers or research managers are giving more importance to the reproductive health issues. But, mental health services are emerging issues which determines the development goals of the country. Conclusion: A critical requirement for the mental health promotion is to have information, increase mental health services, trained skilled workers, education and self-confidence to access available services. The key policy rapid actions needed.