Mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa : reducing the treatment gap, improving quality of care : summary of a joint workshop by the Institute of Medicine and the Uganda National Academy of Sciences / Bruce M. Altevogt [and others], rapporteurs ; Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders, Board on Health Sciences Policy ; Forum on Health and Nutrition, Uganda National Academy of Sciences ; Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.

"In August 2009 the Uganda National Academy of Sciences Forum on Health and Nutrition and the U.S. Institute of Medicine's Forum on Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders (Box I-1) jointly hosted a workshop in Kampala, Uganda, titled Quality of Care Issues for Mental Health and Neurological Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa."--Page 3.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 67-72).

Mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders disrupt the lives of individuals and families across the world. The impact of these disorders - which range from epilepsy to depression to alcohol abuse - is especially significant in sub-Saharan Africa, where most of the world's poorest countries are found. Millions of Africans in 47 countries suffer from some type of MNS disorder, and most cannot obtain treatment. Few psychiatrists or other mental health professionals work in sub-Saharan Africa, and those that do usually have private practices in urban centers. Health centers in rural areas, where the majority of the population lives, are few and far between, and drugs tend to be scarce and expensive. As such, many people with MNS disorders go undiagnosed and untreated; they and their families must bear the burden of their disease alone. In August 2009, the Uganda National Academy of Sciences' Forum on Health and Nutrition and the IOM's Forum on Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders hosted a workshop in Kampala, Uganda, to discuss the state of care for MNS disorders in sub-Saharan Africa. More than 150 researchers, providers, patient advocates, and policy specialists attended. Speakers explored strategies to improve the quality and consistency of care, taking into account countries' limited resources, infrastructure, and other realities. This document summarizes the workshop.

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Background -- Systems of care for MNS in sub-Saharan Africa -- MNS healthcare policy -- Needs, opportunities, and next steps.

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