Over the last two decades, mental health problems were already increasing in importance in Africa. One study conducted between 2000 and 2015 saw the continent’s population increase by 49%, while the number of years lost to mental and substance use disorders increased by 52%. According to the same study, Africa has an average of only 1.4 mental health workers for every 100,000 people. With health systems already strained, and the continent’s population predicted to double over the next three decades, Africa is expected to experience considerable mental health repercussions, both during and after COVID-19.

The upcoming Africa Dialogues webinar on 30 July will focus on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing. Dalberg Advisors and Amref Health Africa will host the following speakers to share their insights on the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, how governments are responding, and why access to quality mental health support services are needed now more than ever:

• Grace Gatera (Young Leader for the Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health),
• Glen Moriarty (Founder and CEO of 7 Cups),
• Rachel Nyaradzo Adams (Founder and Managing Director of Narachi Leadership), and
• Archbishop Anthony Muheri (Nyeri Catholic Archdiocese)