Developing and implementing mental health policy in Zanzibar, a low income country off the coast of East Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Zanzibar Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, concerned about mental health in the country, requested technical assistance from WHO in 1997.

Aims

This article describes the facilitation over many years by a WHO Collaborating Centre, of sustainable mental health developments in Zanzibar, one of the poorest countries in the world, using systematic approaches to policy design and implementation.

Methods

Based on intensive prior situation appraisal and consultation, a multi-faceted set of interventions combining situation appraisal to inform planning; sustained policy dialogue at Union and state levels; development of policy and legislation, development of strategic action plans, establishment of intersectoral national mental health implementation committ

SUBMITTER: Jenkins R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3045977 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature