Addiction treatment and community mental health in Africa: The implication of policy and institutional gaps for effective intervention

Abstract

In recent years, most countries in Africa have seen a steep rise in the use of addictive substances beyond relatively basic forms of traditional drug use. At the same time majority of countries are witnessing a gradual decline in quality of health services particularly in the public health sector due to austerity measures imposed by international lending institutions. This has adversely affected health status of vulnerable groups including the poor, children and women, but more so the mentally ill and addicted persons.