Descrizione del progetto
Una soluzione digitale per sostenere i giovani con disabilità psicosociali
Secondo l’Organizzazione mondiale della sanità, più di una persona su dieci a livello mondiale soffre di un disturbo mentale, neurologico e dovuto all’uso di sostanze. Molte persone affette da questo disturbo nei paesi più poveri non hanno accesso ai trattamenti. In Kenya, il problema è aggravato dal limitato accesso alle informazioni e dalla diffusa discriminazione, anche nell’ambito dei servizi di salute mentale. Tutto ciò si ripercuote sul benessere e l’aspettativa di vita, in particolare per i giovani kenioti. Il progetto WAYSIDE, finanziato dall’UE, sta affrontando questo problema sostenendo una task force del governo keniota che nel 2021 ha dichiarato il disturbo mentale, neurologico e dovuto all’uso di sostanze un’emergenza a livello di salute pubblica. Sfruttando le tecnologie digitali che promuovono il benessere e l’occupazione dei giovani kenioti, il progetto WAYSIDE cerca di sviluppare e sperimentare un quadro di sostegno per un sistema di salute mentale inclusivo.
Obiettivo
Psychosocial disability (PD) refers to ‘disabilities that arise from barriers to social participation experienced by people who have or who are perceived to have mental conditions or problems’ According to the World Health Organization, mental, neurological and substance use disorders (MNS) account for more than 10% of the global disease burden of disease and are responsible for 1 in 5 years lived with disability. The global loss of productivity on account of depression and anxiety is estimated to cost the global economy US$1 trillion each year.
In low- and middle- income countries, more than 75% of people with MNS receive no treatment at all for their disorder. In Kenya, unmet need for mental health services (MHS) is worse in young persons compared to adults. Further, poverty and adversities are causes and consequences of poor mental health and persons with PD experience discrimination in mental health service, employment, and social life that affect wellbeing and life expectancy. Mental health services in Kenya are sparse and elude most persons with PD. Access to available MHS is limited by lack of information about where and how to access it, and discriminatory delivery of services. In recognition of the dire need for inclusive mental health services, a recent interagency Government of Kenya Taskforce on Mental Health in 2021 declared mental ill-health in Kenyan society as a national public health emergency. Also, strengthening the Mental Health system is the fourth strategic objective of the Kenya Mental Health Action plan 2021-2025.
This project responds to this need (identified by GOK taskforce) and aligns with the WHO’s vision of a world where ‘all people achieve the highest standard of mental health and well-being’. The overall aim of this project is to develop and pilot a support framework for an inclusive mental health system using digital technologies to promote wellbeing, work, and employment for young persons with PD in Kenya.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Meccanismo di finanziamento
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global FellowshipsCoordinatore
4 Dublin
Irlanda