Expanding Access to Mental Health in Low-Resource Settings: Strategies for Policy, Supply Chain, and Implementation

• Author(s): Oluchukwu Obinna Ogbuagu ; Akachukwu Obianuju Mbata ; Obe Destiny Balogun ; Olajumoke Oladapo ; Opeyemi Olaoluawa Ojo; Muridzo Muonde
• Paper ID: 1707146
• Page: 407-419
• Published Date: 31-03-2024
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 7 Issue 9 March-2024

Abstract

Expanding access to mental health care in low-resource settings remains a pressing global challenge due to policy gaps, supply chain inefficiencies, and implementation barriers. This paper examines strategies for addressing these challenges through comprehensive policy reforms, optimized supply chain mechanisms, and evidence-based implementation models. A key focus is integrating mental health into national health agendas, ensuring adequate funding, legal protections, and workforce development. Supply chain improvements, including digital health interventions and decentralized service models, are explored to enhance the availability of essential medications and mental health resources. Additionally, the paper highlights implementation strategies such as task-shifting, community-based interventions, and collaborative care approaches, emphasizing their effectiveness in overcoming stigma, workforce shortages, and infrastructural weaknesses. This paper presents actionable recommendations for governments, healthcare providers, and international organizations by synthesizing policy, supply chain management, and implementation science insights. Future research directions, including the role of digital mental health solutions and culturally adapted interventions, are also identified to further advance mental health accessibility in underserved regions.

Keywords

Mental health policy, Supply chain optimization, Task-shifting, Community-based interventions, Digital mental health, Low-resource settings

Citations

IRE Journals:
Oluchukwu Obinna Ogbuagu , Akachukwu Obianuju Mbata , Obe Destiny Balogun , Olajumoke Oladapo , Opeyemi Olaoluawa Ojo; Muridzo Muonde "Expanding Access to Mental Health in Low-Resource Settings: Strategies for Policy, Supply Chain, and Implementation" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 7 Issue 9 2024 Page 407-419

IEEE:
Oluchukwu Obinna Ogbuagu , Akachukwu Obianuju Mbata , Obe Destiny Balogun , Olajumoke Oladapo , Opeyemi Olaoluawa Ojo; Muridzo Muonde "Expanding Access to Mental Health in Low-Resource Settings: Strategies for Policy, Supply Chain, and Implementation" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 7(9)