The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced its first-ever mental health-focused project in Uganda, providing funding to the tune of 1 million dollars.
A statement released by the U.S. Mission in Uganda on Thursday indicates that the three-year project will be implemented by the NGO Strong Minds. The focus will be on building local, evidence-based mental health programs and development initiatives. Additionally, the project aims to increase the availability of locally informed, affordable mental health services by training community members to effectively deliver these services.
This funding comes at a time when Uganda is battling an increasing mental illness crisis, with studies showing millions of Ugandans living with some form of mental illness, either knowingly or unknowingly.
Data from 2020 and 2022 rank Uganda among the top six African countries in rates of depressive disorders, and it has the second-highest suicide rate among East African males ages 18-35.
In response to this challenge, Uganda’s Ministry of Health has embarked on an awareness campaign urging Ugandans to seek professional help when burdened with thoughts and worries. According to the statement, the new funding signifies a commitment to this agenda.
“The U.S. government recognizes that good mental health is fundamental to achieving and sustaining development objectives, in Uganda and around the world,” said USAID/Uganda Mission Director Daniele Nyirandutiye.
The statement highlights that people living with untreated mental health issues are statistically less physically healthy, have lower economic and academic achievement, and are more likely to be crime victims or recruited into criminal or extremist activities. Unaddressed mental health issues can harm individuals, families, and societies, and considerably influence development outcomes.
This project will integrate with existing USAID programming throughout Uganda in areas such as child protection, health, education, economic growth, and human rights. It aims to train community members to provide evidence-informed, effective psychoeducation and mental health screening and treatment.