The main focus of my placement is going to be the evaluation of the implementation of mhGAP in Lesotho. mhGAP is a World Health Organisation initiative to improve the management of mental health, neurological and substance misuse disorders in areas where mental health services are not well developed. The focus in on training non-mental health specialists in the management of common mental health problems. Lesotho does have Community Psychiatric nurses in each district, a few psychologists and an occasional psychiatrist as I understand it so supporting other health professionals is going to be key. The population is well over a million.
Find out more about mhGAP at http://www.who.int/mental_health/mhgap/en/