Uganda has 100 psychiatrists for 46m people, experts seek more
Uganda has reached a milestone of 100 psychiatrists for its 46 million citizens, a significant increase for the region. Health experts emphasize that while this is progress, the country still requires a broader range of mental health professionals to meet the needs of the population.
Why it matters
Addressing the severe shortage of mental health professionals is critical for improving public health outcomes in developing nations.
Uganda’s number of psychiatrists has increased to 100, a development experts say will be essential in improving mental health service delivery in the country.
The Uganda Association of Psychiatrists (UAP) president, Dr Emmanuel Kiiza Mwesiga, said the increase was a significant milestone given the shortage of psychiatrists across Africa.
“We know that there are 2,500 psychiatrists in the whole of Africa. So, for any country to reach 100 is a big deal,” Dr Kiiza said on Wednesday in an interview.
“In the region, maybe only Kenya has passed that 100, but Rwanda, South Sudan have not. Sometimes we forget to celebrate those small wins,” he added.
Dr Hafsa Lukwata, the assistant commissioner for mental health at the Ministry of Health, said the increase in the number of psychiatrists is important to the government’s efforts to improve mental health service delivery.
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