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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Mental health policy in South Africa: Development process and content
Health Policy and Planning, Volume 24, No. 5, Year 2009
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Description
Introduction: Mental health is increasingly acknowledged as a crucial public health issue in South Africa (SA). However, it is not given the priority it deserves on policy agendas in this and many other low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this analysis is to describe the content of mental health policy and the process of its development in SA. Methods: Quantitative data regarding SA's mental health system were gathered using the World Health Organization (WHO) Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems. The WHO Checklist for Mental Health Policy and Plans was completed for SA's 1997 mental health policy guidelines. Semi-structured interviews provided understanding of processes, underlying issues and interactions between key stakeholders in mental health policy development. Results: There is uncertainty at provincial level regarding whether the 1997 policy guidelines should be considered national policy. At national level the guidelines are not recognized as policy, and a new policy is currently being developed. Although the guidelines were developed through wide consultation and had approval through national policy development processes, difficulties were encountered with dissemination and implementation at provincial level. The principles of these policy guidelines conform to international recommendations for mental health care and services but lack clear objectives. Discussion: The process of mental health policy implementation has been hindered by the low priority given to mental health, varying levels of seniority of provincial mental health coordinators, limited staff for policy and planning, varying technical capacity at provincial and national levels, and reluctance by some provincial authorities to accept responsibility for driving implementation. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of national leadership in the development of new mental health policy, communication between national and provincial levels, the need for provincial structures to take responsibility for implementation, and capacity building to enable policy makers and planners to develop, monitor and implement policy. © The Author 2009; all rights reserved.
Authors & Co-Authors
Elizabeth Draper, Catherine Elizabeth
South Africa, Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Lund, Crick
South Africa, Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Kleintjes, Sharon
South Africa, Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Funk, M. K.
Switzerland, Geneva
Organisation Mondiale de la Santé
Omar, Mayeh Abu
United Kingdom, Leeds
University of Leeds
Flisher, Alan J.
South Africa, Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Norway, Bergen
Universitetet I Bergen
Agossou, Therese Ange
Switzerland, Geneva
Organisation Mondiale de la Santé
Drew, Natalie
Switzerland, Geneva
Organisation Mondiale de la Santé
Faydi, Edwige
Switzerland, Geneva
Organisation Mondiale de la Santé
Bhana, Arvin
South Africa, Pretoria
Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa
Doku, Victor Christian Korley
Ghana, Kintampo
Kintampo Health Research Centre
Green, Andrew T.
United Kingdom, Leeds
University of Leeds
Kigozi, Fred N.
Uganda, Kampala
Butabika Hospital
Knapp, Martin R.J.
United Kingdom, London
University of London
Mayeya, John
Zambia, Lusaka
Zambian Ministry of Health
Mulutsi, Eva N.
Unknown Affiliation
Ndyanabangi, Sheila Zaramba
Uganda, Kampala
Uganda Ministry of Health
Ofori-Atta, Angela L.
Ghana, Accra
University of Ghana
Osei, Akwasi O.
Ghana, Accra
Ghana Health Service
Petersen, Inge
South Africa, Durban
University of Kwazulu-natal
Statistics
Citations: 71
Authors: 20
Affiliations: 13
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1093/heapol/czp027
e-ISSN:
14602237
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Mental Health
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
South Africa