Uganda Receives $1 Million Grant from US for Mental Health Initiatives

In Uganda, the United States government through the U.S. Agency for International Aid is providing one million USD for this first mental health project.

A statement that was published by the US Mission in Uganda on Thursday shows that the NGO, Strong Minds, will implement a three-year project where they will concern themselves with the building up of local evidence of mental health and development. This will also be the central focus of the project which aims at increasing locally available, evidence-informed, and affordable mental health services by training the members of the community on how to deliver these services effectively.

This funding has arrived at the time when Uganda is facing a growing mental pathologies issue with numerous studies pointing to millions of Ugandans to be suffering from some form of mental disorder with or without their knowledge.

A data collected from the year 2020 and 2022 reveal that Uganda has been among the first six African countries with the highest prevalence of depressive disorders and the second-highest suicide rate among men aged 18–35 years in East Africa.

Due to this challenge, Uganda’s Ministry of Health has commenced an awareness crusade where Ugandans are encouraged to seek the services of a professional in cases where they are overwhelmed with thoughts or worries. Interestingly, in the statement, the money is new, signifying that there is 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,” USAID/Uganda Mission Director Daniele Nyirandutiye,stated.

The statement highlights the fact that individuals suffering from undiagnosed and untreated mental disorders have been found to be of statistically lower physical health, less in economic and academic productivity, and are more often victims of crimes or are more likely to be pressed into criminal or terrorist activities. This way, mental health disorders, not receiving proper attention, can negatively affect individuals, families, and societies and significantly impact the developmental outcomes.

On the other hand, this project will contribute to integrating and linking with other USAID initiatives addressing child protection, health, education, economic growth, and human rights across the entire country of Uganda to train community members about evidence-based psychoeducation and mental health assessment and care.