Projekt CARE2* in Ruhango and Kamonyi in Ruanda
(*CARE: Comprehensive solutions for increased Access to mental health care Rooted in communities and Enhancing public services)
Situation:
Mental health in Rwanda has been deeply impacted by the genocide in 1994. Surveys show that 25% of the population is affected by trauma, depression and other MNS (mental and neurologic diseases and substance abuse) diseases.
It is known that this kind of violence has a transgenerational implication.
Professional access to all MNS diseases is very limited in Ruanda. Stigma and social exclusion due to ignorance, prejudice and cultural beliefs, which drive them into a vicious circle of suffering and impoverishment.
Objectives:
Fill the gap to professional and affordable access to Mental health Services in 2 Districts (7 sectors) in Ruanda through a community based approach
- Training in mhGAP for 48 health professionals and 1200 community mental health providers
- Up to 3750 persons affected by MNS disorders are identified and followed up (case finding and case holding)
- Up to 2250 MNS affected persons receive – according to the need - ergotherapy/occupational therapy and 750 MNS affected people join credit and saving groups
- Embark on government concern and health infrastructure (hospitals, health centers and professional mental health staff) to address mental health needs (National Mental Health Policy 2011) in Ruanda
- The partner AVSI Ruanda has a long experience with MNS disorders and provides an active and functioning network of many community Mental Health providers in the 2 Districts (7 sectors) of Kamonyi and Ruhango
- AVSI Ruanda will follow lessions learnt from CARE 1 project in Gatsibo
- AVSI Ruanda has good relationships with the University of Kigali and Ruanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) facilitating research in to the issue of low case finding and case holding in the national health system regarding MNS disorders
- Increased accessibility of MNS health services through identification and referral of MNS affected persons by Community Mental Health Providers (case finding)
- Professional services for MNS affected persons rather than expensive “local healer” treatment (affordability)
- Improved case holding through continuous follow up of MNS affected persons by the community mental health providers in the field
- Education on MNS conditions fighting ignorance, discrimination and stigmatization at different levels (community, health staff)
- Re-integrating MNS affected persons through socio-educational groups, ergotherapy, occupational therapy and through joining saving & credit groups
- Research is planned during the project phase in order to better understand obstacles in case finding and case holding
- To improve case finding, case holding and re-integration of people affected by MNS disorders through a community approach by training and facilitating on existing Community Mental Health Care providers
Further information can be found here.
