Kenya launches first National Clinical Guidelines for managing common mental disorders

KENYA—The Ministry of Health’s Division of Mental Health, with cooperation from the CDC and other partners, has released the first National Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Common Mental Disorders.

These guidelines are based on the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), which aims to reduce the treatment gap for mental diseases by increasing mental health literacy among healthcare providers.

Along with the launch, an e-training portal was established to provide healthcare staff with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively implement these principles.

The guidelines were released on World Suicide Prevention Day, underscoring the country’s continued efforts to reduce suicide rates and enhance mental health care.

PEPFAR, the CDC, and Johnson & Johnson all supported World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 by equipping healthcare providers with evidence-based tools to administer effective mental health treatments, with a focus on bridging the significant treatment gap.

These new recommendations are an important step forward in Kenya’s road to better mental health care since they are especially designed to help healthcare providers provide evidence-based mental health care, with an emphasis on improving primary diagnosis and treatment.

According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and the National Police Service, Kenya has recorded 1,576 suicide deaths over the past four years, emphasising the urgent need for enhanced mental health interventions

Speaking at the launch event in Nairobi, Dr. Bashir Isaak, Head of the Directorate of Family Health, representing Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth, emphasized the urgent need to address Kenya’s high rates of depression and anxiety.

Dr. Isaak noted that the new guidelines offer a comprehensive approach to mental health care, covering essential aspects such as evidence-based assessments, diagnostic procedures, pharmacological treatments, and psychosocial interventions.

Additionally, they provide aftercare support, including linkages and referrals for continued care, ensuring patients receive comprehensive services throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Isaak highlighted these guidelines’ critical role in primary healthcare settings, where many healthcare workers lack specialized psychiatric training.

The guidelines are designed for use by healthcare workers across various categories, ensuring that mental health care is accessible to more individuals.

He further revealed that nearly half of Kenya’s population will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives, with depression and anxiety being the most prevalent conditions.

However, due to low mental health literacy among primary healthcare workers, many mental disorders go undiagnosed and untreated.

The treatment gap for mental disorders in Kenya stands at an alarming 75%, but the new guidelines are expected to strengthen primary healthcare systems and improve access to early detection, treatment, and support services for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

The guidelines aim to make mental health services more accessible and effective across the country by building the capacity of healthcare workers.

In addition to the guidelines, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has called for immediate reforms to address mental health issues and to decriminalize attempted suicide.

Senator Hamida Kibwana, a key advocate for mental health, emphasized that suicide is not a crime but rather a consequence of untreated mental health conditions.

She stressed the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all citizens, including establishing dedicated mental health desks.

Senator Kibwana also pointed out that mental health issues affect individuals across all segments of society, including politicians, many of whom struggle silently.

She emphasized that ignoring mental health is no longer an option, as it affects the well-being of the entire population.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and  insights from Africa and the World HERE