Training Future Health Workers in Africa to Tackle Mental Health Gaps
Written By Maxine Ansah
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Mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) conditions affect one in eight people globally. In Africa, where health systems are already stretched, the lack of trained mental health professionals leaves many without care. The WHO’s Mental Health Atlas 2023 shows Africa has fewer than 0.1 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, compared to nearly 11 in high-income countries.
To bridge this care gap, the World Health Organization has launched a new guide: Educating medical and nursing students to provide mental health, neurological and substance use care (2025). It promotes a competency-based approach, outlining 12 essential skills and attitudes all medical and nursing graduates should have to deliver quality MNS care.
Rather than relying solely on specialists, the guide emphasizes preparing primary health-care providers often the first point of contact to recognize and respond to MNS needs. This is especially important in Africa, where general health workers are central to mental health delivery.
The guide was shaped through a global collaboration, including input from students, professionals, and people with lived experience. It is flexible and designed to fit local needs, making it highly relevant for African universities and ministries of health.
Integrating these competencies into medical and nursing curricula could help transform how MNS care is delivered across the continent. Even small curriculum changes can make a big difference in ensuring that tomorrow’s doctors and nurses are better prepared to meet the growing mental health needs of their communities.
