Health in Senegal - Mental Health

Mental Health

Though the majority of Senegal’s healthcare budget goes to physical health needs, mental health remains an area of concern. The Senegalese government spends 9% of its total health budget on mental health. Currently, Senegal has no national health program, but mental health issues are prevalent. Nearly 17% of children had emotional/behavioral or neuropsychiatric disorders based on 2005 data. Additionally, 16% of adults had psychiatric illness. Primary sources of mental health financing include, in descending order, private insurance, social insurance, out of pocket expenditures by patient or family, and taxes. Mental health is part of primary health care system, with the treatment of severe mental disorders available at the primary level. NGOs are involved with advocacy, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Still, more attention and concern remains to be paid to mental health in Senegal.