Shortage of Specialized Medical Professionals Hindering Mental Health Care in Malawi
Addressing the shortage of specialised medical professionals in the field of mental health is essential to providing timely and effective care to those in need.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Health advocates have identified a significant shortage of specialised medical professionals, including psychologists and psychiatrists, as a key factor hindering Malawi's ability to address mental health-related diseases effectively, writes Humphreys Bomba.
Renowned health expert Maziko Matemba emphasised that the country is grappling with a rising incidence of mental health-related diseases, primarily due to a lack of knowledge and societal negligence that hampers the early diagnosis of these conditions.
Matemba stated, "The country is still experiencing an increase in mental health-related diseases due to delayed diagnoses. The majority of Malawians lack sufficient knowledge about these diseases, and some parents do not take them seriously due to societal influences."
Matemba further stressed the urgent need for increased awareness to shed light on the various mental health-related diseases that affect many people in the country.
He remarked, "To address this issue effectively, we need more medical professionals who can disseminate information and raise awareness about mental health-related diseases. This is essential if we are to alleviate the burden they pose."
Echoing Matemba's concerns, Dr. Chiwoza Bandawe, a clinical psychologist at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES), noted that the shortage of specialised medical professionals contributes to the rising number of cases.
"The government should prioritise the recruitment of more medical personnel, including psychologists, who can significantly contribute to the management of these diseases, which pose a serious threat to our population," said Dr. Bandawe.
Dr. Bandawe emphasised the need for swift action in providing high-quality and adequate mental health services, which he believed could be achieved through an increase in specialised medical professionals.
He added, "To protect the rights of individuals with mental health conditions and to develop sensitive services, it is crucial to gain a more accurate understanding of the prevalence and nature of stigma associated with these conditions."
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 1 in every 8 people globally lives with mental health disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders, disruptive behaviour and dissocial behaviour, schizophrenia, and depression.
Addressing the shortage of specialised medical professionals in the field of mental health is essential to providing timely and effective care to those in need.